The key issues facing Tandy when Wales' head coach starts work

FINALLY all the speculation has come to an end after Steve Tandy was officially unveiled as Wales’ new head coach on Monday.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

Tandy had been heavily linked with the role for weeks but five months after the Welsh Rugby Union parted ways with Warren Gatland there is finally some stability.

The 45-year-old _ will officially start his new role on September 1 but is surely already planning his first few months as Wales boss.

So, what are the issues Tandy will have to contend with when he assumes one of the most high-pressure roles in world rugby?

HE NEEDS A BACKROOM TEAM

‘This clearly has to be the first thing on his to-do list.

For Tandy to achieve success he needs to surround himself not only with top-end assistant coaches but those who he trusts.

The WRU's director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin has already said the appointment of a backroom team won't solely be Tandy’s decision.

Instead they will work together in identifying the right people.

Reddin says there are “no names in the frame at the moment” but it would be a surprise if Tandy did not seriously consider appointing the same backroom team who took Wales to Japan.

Matt Sherratt has been mooted as a_ potential attack coach, while Danny Wilson (forwards), Adam Jones (scrum) and T. Rhys Thomas (skills) are all contenders.

Neil Jenkins, who was Gatland’s kicking coach, was not included in Sherratt’s backroom team to tour Japan with Leigh Halfpenny preferred.

But Jenkins is a full-time employee of the WRU while Halfpenny has been heavily linked with a move to join French PRO D2 outfit AS Beziers Herault asa player.

“It is about getting the right people in those spots as opposed to just getting the next people,” said Reddin.