Wales has decided to bet on a new strong man on the horizon of the next World Cup in 2027. After Warren Gatland and Matt Sherratt, Steve Tandy (45), former Ospreys coach but also from the defense of Scotland, will be the third coach of the Welsh in a year.
In Wales, we do not hesitate to clean up when the results are not there. And the least we can say is that this XV of the leek having finished again shamefully (Editor’s note: this had already been the case in the previous edition) the last 6 nations tournament with the wooden spoon (five games, five defeats) and of course in the last place in the ranking is currently crossing one of the biggest crises in its history.
And it was not the (laborious) victory of two weeks ago against Japan (31-22) when the Welshman had not tasted victory for two years and a success against Georgia during the World Cup in France and saw him hang on him a 19th consecutive defeat in the event of a new setback against the Japanese who made you forget the very bad pass of Gallic rugby. So from September 1, a new very strong man will lead the destiny of this XV of the leek very badly, with the aim of not going through next year, next year in Australia at the next World Cup. This time, the Welsh federation decided to bet on Steve Tandy.
The third coach in one year!
At 45, the former Ospreys coach (from 2012 to 2018) does not have a crazy experience. However, the future coach – named this Monday, he will take office in September only – displays a solid reputation, in particular with regard to defense. It was for this specialty that Tandy had been part of the staff of the British and Irish lions, which Warren Gatland led, during the 2021 tour in South Africa, and had Scotland benefit from his services since 2019.
The native of Townmawr, a former international flanker, will be the third coach of Wales in one year. Five months ago, Gatland had left his duties (when he was under contract until 2027). As for Matt Sherratt, who had succeeded him, he had suggested that he did not see himself staying very long. A Tandy now restores the coat of arms of this XV of the very sick leek.
The interested party, who wants to be ambitious, is very proud.
“Becoming coach of the team of my country is an honor and a privilege (…) I look forward to investing in the reconstruction phase of Welsh rugby and to return the competitive national team again with the best world nations”. Tandy’s beginnings on Welsh bench is scheduled for November 9 at home against Argentina.
