Scotland’s head coach Gregor Townsend has expressed his appreciation for Steve Tandy following the announcement that Tandy will take over as the head coach of Wales. This change comes as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) finalized its long-awaited decision on a successor to Warren Gatland, who wrapped up his second coaching term five months ago.
Tandy’s departure from Scottish Rugby is set for August 31, with his new role commencing on September 1, just in time to lead Wales through the upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign, which extends through 2027.
In light of this transition, Townsend highlighted the significant impact Tandy has had on Scottish Rugby, particularly in molding players and solidifying the team’s status as one of the world’s leading defensive units. Townsend shared, “We’re sorry to see Steve go because he has had a really positive influence on Scottish Rugby… He’s been someone I’ve leaned on for advice.”
Scottish Rugby chief executive Alex Williamson echoed these sentiments, noting the “mixed emotions” surrounding Tandy’s exit. While there is disappointment at losing such a respected and talented coach, there’s also immense pride in his accomplishments and a sense of honor in his new position leading Wales. Williamson remarked on Tandy’s invaluable contributions since taking on a coaching role in 2020, reinforcing the high standards Scottish Rugby aims to uphold in its coaching staff.
As Tandy embarks on his new journey, efforts are underway to find a suitable replacement, with aspirations to have someone in place ahead of November’s international matches. Williamson mentioned the collaboration with the WRU to facilitate Tandy’s transition and emphasized the importance of continuity in coaching.
This transition presents a significant moment for both Scottish Rugby and Welsh Rugby, highlighting the interconnected nature of international rugby coaching. As Scotland prepares for end-year internationals, the search for Tandy’s successor could bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the Scottish coaching setup.