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Steve Tandy has been appointed as new Wales head coach, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced.

Hailing from Tonmawr, near Neath, 45-year-old Tandy is tasked with turning around Wales’ fortunes and leading his country into the 2027 World Cup.

He will officially start his new job on September 1.

Tandy will leave his role in Scotland’s coaching setup to take over from Matt Sherratt, who has served on an interim basis following the departure of Warren Gatland mid-way through this year’s Six Nations campaign.

Tandy has previously worked as Ospreys head coach, and was part of the coaching setup for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021.

He will be the first Welshman to coach Wales on a permanent basis in nearly 18 years. The last Welsh coach to lead the national side was Gareth Jenkins, who left following a disappointing world cup campaign in 2007.

“Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,” said Tandy. “I am looking forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world.

“I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have.”

He added: “The autumn fixtures represent a huge opportunity and gives us a chance to test ourselves against some of the best teams in world rugby.”

Abi Tierney, CEO of the WRU, said: “After a thorough and detailed appointment process, Steve emerged as the standout candidate, and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job.

“This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men’s side.”

Ms Tierney continued: “Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman.

“Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role.”

Dave Reddin, the WRU’s director of rugby and elite performance, said Tandy “embodies the collaborative and systematic approach to building success that I want to instil across our high-performance system”.

Reddin continued: “Steve is an excellent coach with the motivation and curiosity to continue to learn and develop very much a part of his DNA; these are hugely important characteristics for everyone in our system.

“He brings a wealth of experience, a unique understanding of Wales and the young talent we have at our disposal and a huge amount of passion and desire to excel in the role.”

He added: “Steve is a vital part of the future strategy for success in Welsh rugby and I will ensure he has the space, time and support to realise the potential of the exciting group of players he will have at his disposal.”