Wales head coach twist as Steve Tandy ruled out after new WRU chief's arrival
Wales head coach twist as Steve Tandy ruled out after new WRU chief's arrival
Wales' search for a new head coach is almost at an end with an appointment imminent
Steve Tandy was a leading contender for the Wales job
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Wales' search for a new head coach has taken a twist after Scotland boss Gregor Townsend poured cold water on the prospect of Steve Tandy succeeding Warren Gatland.
WalesOnline understands Tandy was the clear front runner at one stage but the Welsh Rugby Union's new director of rugby and elite performance, Dave Reddin, started the process almost from scratch upon getting appointed. Tandy is currently Scotland defence coach and Townsend is adamant he will not be leaving his backroom team as things stand.
'Steve Tandy is going nowhere," said Townsend.
'Yeah, unless something changes that's not happened now, which would be another club or country approaching him and whether that would be allowed to happen anyway.
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"But nothing has happened other than media speculation, and Steve is one of the best coaches in the world with a great experience, a really good connection with our group, with our players, and he's been really excited about this tour.
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"So nothing to add from just pure speculation.'
Despite Townsend's comments, Tandy was in the process throughout but it appears Reddin will go down a different path.
The likes of Glasgow's United Rugby Championship head coach Franco Smith and Ireland's Simon Easterby have been heavily linked with the Wales job. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Franco Smith, head coach of Glasgow Warriors
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Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt is leading Wales to Japan on an interim basis but is not thought to be in contention for the job on a permanent basis.
Turning around Welsh rugby's fortunes will be difficult with the men's national side having lost a record 17 Test matches in a row.
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The professional game is also struggling with the WRU seriously considering dropping from four to three or even two professional clubs.
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But the challenge of turning around Wales' fortunes could be appealing and the WRU are set to make an appointment in the very near future.
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