The Welsh national team’s leader, Steve Tandy, has brought in past Welsh international players Duncan Jones, Dan Lydiate, and Rhys Patchell to assist in coaching responsibilities.
These three individuals will be part of the national squad’s coaching staff temporarily, with plans to go back to their respective clubs at the end of November.
Duncan Jones, formerly a Wales loosehead prop, will support Tandy’s squad as scrum coach. Jones, part of the Grand Slam-winning teams of 2005 and 2008, has been in a similar position with the Ospreys organization since 2018.
Lydiate, another Grand Slam champion, will collaborate with Tandy, specifically focusing on the Welsh team’s defensive strategies during the Autumn Nations Series. During this series, Wales is slated to compete against Argentina, Japan, the All Blacks, and South Africa. The 2013 British & Irish Lions series victor concluded his playing career last season, having also served as a player-coach for the Dragons.
Patchell, who recently joined Lydiate in retirement from Wales international duty, will become part of the coaching group as a kicking specialist. Having retired in September, the former fly-half is also affiliated with the Dragons, working alongside Lydiate.
Wales
Argentina
The coaching group already includes Matt Sherratt and Danny Wilson, with Neil Jenkins completing the team, continuing his work as a skills-focused coach.
“I’m very happy that Duncan, Dan, and Rhys will be assisting us during the Quilter Nations Series. I also want to thank the Ospreys and Dragons, allowing them this opportunity with Wales,” Tandy mentioned.
“I’m thrilled that our complete coaching group is now confirmed for our four games this autumn. I’m sure we are all eager to start our campaign.”
WRU director of rugby and high-performance expert Dave Reddin stated, “Incorporating Duncan, Dan, and Rhys into the team for the autumn season alongside Steve, Danny, and Matt will give us a robust, balanced coaching group.”
“We initially mentioned that we might consider some temporary appointments, and we believe this is the best course of action for us at the moment.”
Wales will begin their campaign against Argentina on November 9.
