WRU says new man can get Wales competing with top nations again

STEVE TANDY has been championed to restore Welsh pride on the international stage after signing a three-year deal as Wales head coach.

- By PHIL BLANCHE

Tandy has left his role as Scotland defence coach - a position he has held since 2019 - to fill a vacancy created by Warren Gatland’s departure in February.

Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt has been in interim charge since and oversaw the end of Wales’ 18-game losing streak in Japan this month.

But Wales have turned to 45-year-old Tandy, who previously coached at Ospreys and Australian Super Rugby side Waratahs, to arrest a slide that has seen them finish bottom of the last two Six Nations and plummet to 12th in the world rankings.

“Steve is an outstanding coach,” said Welsh Rugby Union director of rugby Dave Reddin, who revealed the interview process had initially mapped out around 130 coaches worldwide before being filtered down.

“His coaching journey shows someone that has been unafraid to really push himself into some uncomfortable experiences and really challenge the way that he was operating as a coach and develop as a result.

“As a proud Welshman it's the job he's wanted to move for. I know he'll be very missed by Scotland, he was a valued member of staff there and I’m delighted we've managed to secure his services.

“Are Wales going to be consistently ranked as the number one team in the world for the next 10 years? No, I don’t think so.

“But can we be a real, genuine, top five nation who are constantly competing for Six Nations titles, who are capable of mixing it with the best in the world? 100 per cent.

“Otherwise, I wouldn't be here. I don’t think anybody gets inspired by a team that says, ‘well, we're going to rock up and do our best’