New Wales head coach in ‘magic wand’ plea as he calls for nation to remain ‘patient’
New Wales head coach calls for nation to remain 'patient' as he credits Scotland coach for opening his eyes
The new Wales head coach Steve Tandy faced the media for the first time today, addressing the rugby-supporting nation as he ushers in, what many hope, will be a new era for Welsh rugby.
The former Scotland defence coach expressed his “pride” and “privilege” at being selected to lead his home nation, as he called for the Welsh public to remain “patient” as he connects with the players and gets immersed in the process.
Addressing a nation currently devoid of rugby enthusiasm, Tandy said: “They’re a young and exciting group with lots of potential.
“My passion is coaching, and that’s where I love, being on the grass and connecting with players. I’m really looking forward to getting started and getting immersed in and around the regions, getting in to see those guys and the coaches, and ultimately, just being part of it early.
“We’ll have to be patient, because growth doesn’t come straight away, but building that process around the performance, for me, is just an unbelievable opportunity to instil something new.”
Wales’ return will be a group effort
Despite being upbeat about the route ahead, Tandy is mindful that the journey will remain a challenging one.
“A couple of things to repair,” he continued. “I think obviously we want to get our assistant coaches, and Dave and I have started that process, and are making sure what we want is right and the people are right going forward.
“I think one of the big fundamentals for me is getting to know the people, and I’ll be immersing myself in and around the building, then getting out into the regions, the coaches, the players, the staff, really immersing myself in the national game of Wales.”
Speaking to the press, the 45-year-old didn’t shy away from the dire situation Wales currently find themselves in.
“Ultimately, we want Wales to get back to where we want it to be, but a lot of work needs to go into it.”
“How it looks, I’m not quite sure yet, but there’s a lot of ambition. The beauty of Wales is around the pride and affinity of things, but we need to be realistic. Ultimately, we’ve got to focus on where we need to be. I know it’s hard because of all the emotion, but it has to be around where we want to get to.
“It’s about incrementally building, and there won’t be a magic wand, but I do believe in the path we are going on.”
Wales to take inspiration from Scotland’s attack
Despite being born and raised in Tonmawr, South Wales, uprooting his family to return to his home country wasn’t an easy decision. There were “mixed emotions” from his wife and three daughters, but ultimately, this was an appointment that he simply couldn’t refuse.
“This is the only job I would have left Scotland for because of the passion we’ve got for it. I know people go on about challenges, but that’s exciting as well because change will have to happen.
“Ultimately, I’m a Wales fan.”
As a specialist defensive coach, Tandy will likely use the collaborative powers of those around him to develop an efficient Welsh attack, but admits that he has become more attacking-minded in recent years.
“Gregor [Townsend] has had a major influence on me,” he said.
“I’m a defensive mindset, but Gregor and Daryl opened my eyes to the attack. I went to Melbourne Storm and spent a month there, and then the AFL. Gregor encouraged that. I was a curious person, and he wanted me to think outside of the box to grow.
“I want Wales to put in performances everyone can get behind.”
