Wales: British and Irish Lions icon latest to join Steve Tandy’s coaching ranks for Nations Championship
Leigh Halfpenny will return to the Wales coaching staff for the Nations Championship
Wales have added yet another fresh name to their coaching staff for the Nations Championship, with Leigh Halfpenny taking over as interim kicking coach.
The ex-full-back, who retired from professional rugby earlier this year, becomes the latest former player to join Tandy’s ranks, following Paul James onto the staff for their Tests against Fiji, Argentina and the Springboks.
Halfpenny also served on the Wales coaching ticket last year under interim boss Matt Sherratt during their two-Test tour of Japan, and has also gained experience with the Wales U20s side back in 2022.
Leigh Halfpenny joins Wales coaching ranks ahead of Nations Championship Tests
Halfpenny brings a wealth of playing experience with him, as Wales look to build on the green shoots of an improved Six Nations campaign. Across his Test career, he won 101 Test caps for the national side, helping them win three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and sits third on the men’s all-time points list with 801 to his name.
He was also called up for three British and Irish Lions tours, and was named Player of the Series in their victory over the Wallabies back in 2013.
During his club career, he represented Cardiff, Toulon, Scarlets, Crusaders and Harlequins, before ending his career as a player-coach with the Arms Park-based outfit.
Speaking on joining Wales, Halfpenny said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to work with the men’s national squad again this summer and an exciting opportunity to be part of Steve’s coaching team in the first-ever Nations Championship.
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“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Japan last year and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the group and continuing my development as a coach over the next few weeks.”
On the addition of Halfpenny, Tandy said: “I’m pleased that Leigh is able to join the coaching team for our three Nations Championship games this July.
“His playing record speaks for itself and it’s great to get him on board with us as he continues to develop his coaching career.
“Our young backs will benefit a huge amount from the knowledge and experience that Leigh has to share.”
Also commenting, WRU director of rugby and elite performance, Dave Reddin, added: “As Leigh continues his journey from outstanding player to high-potential coach, I’m delighted he is able to join Steve’s team this July and continue his development.”
Wales Nations Championship July Fixtures
Fiji v Wales
Date: Saturday, 4 July, 2026
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Kick-off: 14:10 (local), 15:10 (France), 15:10 (South Africa), 23:10 (AEST), 22:10 (JST), 10:10 (Argentina), 9:10 (EDT), 1:10 (5 July, FJT)
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (RFU), Hollie Davidson (SRU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Broadcasters: ITV/S4C (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Wowow (Japan), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network/Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa)
Argentina v Wales
Date: Saturday, 11 July, 2026
Venue: Estadio San Juan de Bicentenario, San Juan
Kick-off: 16:10 (local), 20:10 (UK), 21:10 (France), 21:10 (South Africa), 15:10 (EDT), 5:10 (12 July, AEST), 16:10 (JST), 4:10 (July 12, JST)
Referee: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (RA), Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)
Broadcasters: ITV/S4C (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Wowow (Japan), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network/Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa)
South Africa v Wales
Date: Saturday, 18 July, 2026
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17:40 (local), 16:40 (UK), 17:40 (France), 12:40 (Argentina), 11:40 (EDT), 1:40 (July 19, AEST), 00:40 (July 19, JST)
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (FFR), James Doleman (NZR)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
Broadcasters: ITV/S4C (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Wowow (Japan), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network/Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa)
Wales extended squad for Nations Championship
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Rhys Barratt, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, James Botham, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Olly Cracknell, Ryan Elias, Kane James, Dafydd Jenkins, Harrison Keddie, Dewi Lake, Dillon Lewis, Evan Lloyd, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright, Sam Wainwright, Ben Warren, Teddy Williams, Ryan Woodman
Backs: Josh Adams, Ellis Bevan, Bryn Bradley, Sam Costelow, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady, Kieran Hardy, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Eddie James, Max Llewellyn, Ellis Mee, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Joe Roberts, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Tomos Williams
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