‘Mixed emotions’ – Scottish Rugby and Gregor Townsend react to Steve Tandy’s departure to Wales
Gregor Townsend and Steve Tandy coaching together for Scotland.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has paid tribute to the outgoing Steve Tandy for his service to the team after it was confirmed that he is the new boss of Wales.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced the news on Monday as they finally named a successor to Warren Gatland, whose second tenure in charge came to an end five months ago.
Tandy will depart Scottish Rugby on August 31 and start his new role with the WRU on September 1. He will coach them up to and including their Rugby World Cup campaign in 2027.
Excellent coach
That means Scotland boss Townsend will be without one of his trusted colleagues as they prepare for the end-of-year internationals, and he’s paid tribute to Tandy after today’s news.
“We’re sorry to see Steve go because he has had a really positive influence on Scottish Rugby. Firstly, with the players that he has worked with and developed, and secondly, the work he’s done with the team, turning them into one of the best defensive sides in the world. As coach’s we have loved working and learning from him,” he said.
“He has helped me massively in my role, and he’s been someone I’ve leaned on for advice. We’ve worked together on various ways of improving the environment and the team over the years.
“It’ll be sad not having him with us anymore, but it’s also a massive honour for him to become the head coach of his home country.
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“It’s very deserved as he’s an excellent coach with varied experiences including international rugby for the last five years and we wish him all the best.”
Scottish Rugby chief executive Alex Williamson admitted there were “mixed emotions” regarding Tandy’s departure as he praised the work he has done over the last five years.
“Steve is an extremely popular and talented coach and so we have really mixed emotions,” he said. “We are disappointed that he is leaving the national team coaching set-up given his invaluable contribution since 2020, but we are also very proud of his achievements and the opportunity he now has to lead the country of his birth.
“At Scottish Rugby we aim to have the best coaches in the world and Steve is certainly one of them.”
Replacement search
Williamson added that they are in the process of finding a replacement for Tandy who they hope to have in place before November’s international action.
“We have worked closely with Abi Tierney and her team at the Welsh Rugby Union to allow Steve to join them and recruitment for a suitable replacement is underway,” he continued.
“We hope to have someone in place ahead of the Quilter Nations Series in November and look forward to seeing Steve in Cardiff during the Guinness Six Nations.”
