Steve Tandy to leave Scotland role and become Wales head coach

Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy is to leave his role and take over as head coach of Wales.

The Welshman will begin his work to turn around his national team when his contract officially begins on September 1.

Tandy will look to lift Wales after a disastrous time that saw the team lose 18 successive games before a victory over Japan on July 12.

His first match in charge will be on Sunday, November 9 against Argentina in Cardiff, which will be followed by meetings with Japan, New Zealand and world champions South Africa on the following three weekends as the team prepares for the Six Nations.

“Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,” said Tandy, who will lead Wales into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“I am looking forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world.

“I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have.”

The coach, who joined Scotland ahead of the 202 Six Nations and has been a key part of Gregor Townsend’s coaching team, said that he was proud of his work with the national side.

“I have loved my time with the Scotland national team and it is a really tough decision to leave,” Tandy said.

“I have built up a great relationship with the players and management within the national team and I am proud of the progress achieved since I joined.

“Not only have I loved my time in Scotland, but also the way everyone welcomed my family and made them feel at home has been amazing and will be something I’ll never forget.

“The chance to manage the Welsh national team was an opportunity I was unable to turn down, but I leave with a heavy heart and would like to thank everyone I have worked with at Scottish Rugby who have made my time here so memorable.”

Scotland coach Townsend said: “We’re sorry to see Steve go because he’s had a really positive influence on Scottish Rugby.

“Firstly, with the players that he’s worked with and developed, and secondly the work he’s done with the team, turning them into one of the best defensive sides in the world. As coaches we have loved working and learning from him.

“He has helped me massively in my role and he’s been someone I’ve leaned on for advice. We’ve worked together on various ways of improving the environment and the team over the years.

“It’ll be sad not having him with us anymore but it’s also a massive honour for him to become the head coach of his home country.

“It’s very deserved as he’s an excellent coach with varied experiences including international rugby for the last five years and we wish him all the best.”