**Steve Tandy Faces the Press as Welsh Rugby Turns a New Page**
Thursday, 7 August 2025, marks a significant moment in Welsh rugby as Steve Tandy, the newly appointed head coach for the national side, made his inaugural public appearance in the role. Hosting his first press conference at the iconic Principality Stadium, Tandy addressed the weight of expectation now on his shoulders, joined by Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney and director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin.
Tandy, 45, transitions into the Welsh top job after serving as Scotland’s defence coach, stepping into the role left by Warren Gatland and becoming the first Welshman to take the helm in a permanent capacity since Gatland himself. The former Ospreys head coach is set to assume his duties officially from 1 September, but already finds himself tasked with revitalising a national side that has recently struggled, enduring a frustrating 18-match losing streak prior to a desperately needed victory.
The significance of Tandy’s appointment for the WRU goes beyond immediate results. As Tierney explained, his arrival is seen as a pivotal element in the Union’s overarching five-year plan to re-establish Welsh rugby among the elite. “This is a critical appointment for us as we aim for sustainable achievement with our men’s team,” said Tierney. She outlined Tandy’s ability to connect with a nascent squad brimming with potential, and highlighted the potential transformative impact he could have on the broader rugby landscape in Wales.
With Wales currently languishing in 12th place in the global rankings, Tandy’s challenges are far from negligible. Slipping further would see Wales fall into the third tier of seedings for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, a scenario the Union is eager to avoid. The forthcoming autumn tests will put Tandy and his players under immense scrutiny, as they confront heavyweights South Africa and New Zealand, alongside matches versus Argentina and Japan, all on home soil.
Dave Reddin, who was instrumental in bringing Tandy on board, emphasised the new coach’s blend of experience, curiosity, and a deeply rooted understanding of Welsh rugby culture. “Steve’s motivation and dynamic approach perfectly match what we need. He inherently understands our young talent and his drive to succeed marks him out as key to our future plans,” Reddin remarked. The director also committed to ensuring Tandy receives the backing required for success.
In a separate development on the international rugby scene, Welsh speedster Louis Rees-Zammit’s brief foray into American football has come to an end. After nearly 18 months attempting to crack the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, the 24-year-old is now exploring rugby union opportunities again, with numerous clubs reportedly expressing interest. However, former NFL player Osi Umenyiora reflected on the difficulty of Rees-Zammit’s American adventure, stating that “unparalleled” ability is needed to adapt and thrive in such a competitive environment given the sheer athletic talent pool in US states like Florida.
Christian Scotland-Williamson, another former rugby player who tried to make the transition to American football, highlighted the sport’s steep learning curve. He compared mastering an NFL playbook to the rigours of legal training, claiming the former is even more arduous. This underscores the challenges Rees-Zammit and others face in making such a significant code switch.
Back in rugby, Rees-Zammit is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his next move, only confirming a “flood” of team interest and saying he and his brother are currently fielding offers. With pre-season quickly approaching, decisions are expected to be made imminently.
In other fixture news, the Barbarians have confirmed a high-profile clash with a New Zealand XV at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on 1 November. The encounter forms part of the autumn internationals and continues a storied rivalry stretching back over seven decades, often producing dramatic and memorable matches, such as Gareth Edwards’ legendary try in 1973.
John Spencer, president of the Barbarians, hailed the forthcoming fixture as another major moment in rugby’s calendar and a “not-to-be-missed” opportunity for fans. He praised both clubs’ role in nurturing and showcasing future stars, ensuring that the legacy of great matches between these sides continues.
As Welsh rugby embarks on a new chapter under Steve Tandy, both supporters and union leaders alike will be watching closely, hopeful that a turnaround is just around the corner as the autumn internationals draw near. The coming weeks promise drama, uncertainty, and opportunity — hallmarks of rugby at its best.