Tandy's homecoming shows roots matter

THERE are very few positions that are as high profile in Welsh society as the head coach of the national men’s rugby team.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

It is a role which comes with huge pressures as previous incumbents Warren Gatland and Wayne Pivac can testify to but for Steve Tandy it is that little bit more special.

Tandy is the first Welshman to take charge of Wales on a permanent basis since Gareth Jenkins in 2007.

Few would have predicted such an impressive ascent to the top of Welsh rugby after he was forced to leave the Ospreys midway through the 2017/18 season.

But in his own words Tandy has reflected and thrown himself into unique experiences to reach the summit as a coach and is highly regarded by some of the world’s best players.

Tandy relocated to Sydney to take charge of defence at the Waratahs before becoming an integral part of Gregor Townsend’s backroom team with Scotland, and even coaching the British & Irish Lions on their 2021 tour of South Africa.