The future of Welsh rugby coaching is a hot topic, and with good reason. As we eagerly await the announcement of the Six Nations coaching staff, it's clear that there are some big decisions to be made.
A Chaotic Chapter in Welsh Rugby
The recent past has been a whirlwind for Welsh rugby fans. The autumn campaign, which ended with a crushing 73-0 defeat to the Springboks, feels both recent and distant. It's been a mere 38 days since that disappointing day, and yet, we're already gearing up for the Six Nations, which starts in just 32 days.
This rapid turnaround presents a unique challenge for Steve Tandy, who will lead Wales in his first Six Nations tournament. While Tandy, Matt Sherratt, and Danny Wilson are permanent fixtures on the coaching staff, the rest of the positions are up for grabs.
The Autumn's Temporary Trio
During the autumn campaign, Wales brought in some temporary reinforcements. Dragons coaches Rhys Patchell and Dan Lydiate, along with Ospreys' Duncan Jones, joined the national team on secondment. Patchell focused on kicking, Lydiate assisted Tandy with defense, and Jones took charge of the scrum.
With no other names currently in the mix, it seems likely that Wales will turn to this trio once again for a short-term secondment. The squad announcement is just two weeks away, and the coaching team is expected to be confirmed around the same time.
Patchell, in particular, has already garnered some admiration. Former teammates have identified him as a future coaching talent. However, both Patchell and Lydiate are still in the early stages of their coaching careers, having only recently retired from playing.
Jones, on the other hand, has some coaching experience under his belt. These three former internationals represent the latest chapter in a turbulent 2025 for Wales.
A Year of Turbulence
The year began with Warren Gatland at the helm, but his departure midway through the Six Nations sparked a series of changes. His assistants, Alex King, Rob Howley, Mike Forshaw, and Jonathan Humphreys, all left the national team setup at various points throughout the year, with Neil Jenkins remaining as a skills coach within the WRU.
Adam Jones, T. Rhys Thomas, Gethin Jenkins, and Leigh Halfpenny all stepped in to help, with Sherratt serving as interim coach. These names could be options for Tandy, but with Jones at Harlequins and Thomas at Gloucester, both clubs facing challenging seasons in the Gallagher Prem, it seems unlikely they would leave their club duties to take on a short-term role with Wales.
However, former Lions tighthead Jones has long been considered a long-term coaching prospect for Wales. He's made no secret of his desire for the job in the past. Jenkins oversaw the defense for Wales last summer in Japan, and the national team also approached Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.
Mark Jones, however, wanted a full pre-season with the Ospreys, and with Jenkins' duties at the Arms Park increasing following Sherratt's departure, it's unlikely he'll have the time to join the Six Nations coaching staff.
As for Halfpenny, he's currently balancing coaching and playing responsibilities with Cardiff, having returned to the Arms Park after a move to France fell through.
Beyond these names, there aren't many obvious contenders within the regions.
A Familiar Path?
In the end, Wales opted for two temporary coaches during their first full season. If history repeats itself, as it appears it will, Wales may once again turn to the same pool of talent for short-term solutions.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should Wales be aiming for more long-term stability in their coaching setup? Or is the short-term approach the best way to go? And this is the part most people miss: What impact does this coaching uncertainty have on the players and their performance?
These are the questions we should be asking as we eagerly await the announcement of the Six Nations coaching staff. What do you think? Is the short-term approach the right way forward for Welsh rugby, or is it time for a more permanent solution? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
