Scotland coach set to quit to join Six Nations rivals Wales
04/11/2025 05:04 AM
Wales could be turning to a familiar face from across the border as Steve Tandy, Scotland's current defence mastermind, is now understood to be the frontrunner to succeed Warren Gatland as head coach.
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Tandy Time in Cardiff?
Tandy, 45, has quietly built a reputation as one of the most respected defensive strategists in world rugby. Since joining the Scotland set-up in 2019, the former Ospreys boss has transformed their defensive discipline, turning them into one of the hardest teams to break down in the Six Nations.
His stock rose even further when Warren Gatland personally picked him to be part of the British & Irish Lions coaching team for the 2021 tour of South Africa.
Now, in an ironic twist of fate, he could be the man replacing Gatland according to Wales Online – following the Kiwi’s resignation after a disastrous run of 14 consecutive defeats.
Who is Steve Tandy? | Full Bio
- Full name: Steven Andrew Tandy
- Born: February 16, 1980 (age 45)
- Birthplace: Tonmawr, Neath, Wales
- Position (as player): Flanker
- Clubs (as player): Neath, Ospreys
- Coaching career:
- Ospreys Head Coach (2012–2018) – Appointed at just 32, making him one of the youngest head coaches in Pro12 history.
- NSW Waratahs Defence Coach (2018–2019) – Took his expertise to Super Rugby, helping solidify the Waratahs’ defence.
- Scotland Defence Coach (2019–present) – Widely credited with revitalising Scotland's back-row resilience and defensive structure.
Why Tandy Makes Sense for Wales
After a torrid 12 months, the Welsh Rugby Union needs a coach who understands both the local landscape and the demands of the modern international game. Tandy brings both. Not only is he Welsh through and through, but he's also gained valuable experience abroad and at the highest levels with the Lions.
With Gatland gone and the WRU looking to reboot, Tandy could be the safe – but smart – pair of hands needed to steady the ship.
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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod – and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton's podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there’s no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here's how Biggar's team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It's an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster’s dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
England's Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He's paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England's Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland's Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who's fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
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