**Wales Rugby Head Coach Race Heats Up as Graham Rowntree Emerges as Contender**
Fresh speculation has emerged regarding the future of Welsh rugby’s head coaching position, with former England and British & Irish Lions coach Graham Rowntree reportedly in talks with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) about potentially taking the helm. These fresh links come in the wake of Rowntree’s departure from Munster last October, fuelling rumours about his next move in the rugby world.
Rowntree, who is 54, boasts expansive coaching experience at international and club levels. Having served as forwards coach on the famed 2013 and 2017 Lions tours, as well as a lengthy stint with England from 2007 to 2015, his credentials are widely recognised. His most recent post as Munster’s head coach concluded seven months ago, and recent reports indicate he remains eager to return to frontline coaching.
Although the vacancy at Leicester Tigers—Rowntree’s former club—exists, the lure of a return to international rugby, and particularly to lead Wales, is gaining traction. Rugby Pass has noted that Rowntree has held discussions with the WRU. Despite this, Steve Tandy, known for his successes with the Ospreys and current defensive resume, is still considered by many to be the frontrunner to succeed Warren Gatland.
The WRU’s approach to their search has evolved in recent weeks under the guidance of newly-appointed director of rugby, Dave Reddin. Observers have noted that Reddin, keen to demonstrate his influence, has ensured several new names are on the list of possible successors. The pool of candidates remains competitive, with Ireland’s Simon Easterby, Glasgow Warriors’ Franco Smith, and former England boss Stuart Lancaster among the prominent figures still in contention.
There are expected shake-ups within the current coaching team as well. The contracts of Alex King and Mike Forshaw, both long-serving members of Gatland’s staff, are due to expire later this year and it appears increasingly likely they will move on. This potential exodus heralds a new era and signals sweeping changes behind the scenes for Welsh rugby.
In related developments, Carwyn Tuipulotu, the dynamic back-row forward who swapped the Scarlets for a mid-season stint in France, has signalled his desire to stay with Top 14 outfit Pau. The 23-year-old Welsh exile joined Pau as a medical joker and made an immediate impact, winning over both teammates and supporters alike in just seven appearances.
While Tuipulotu faces an uncertain contractual future this summer, he did not shy away when asked about his possible extension at Pau. Interacting with fans on the pitch, he remarked, “I hope so. I’m just loving my rugby and enjoying every day as it comes. Allez Section!” His commitment to the club comes as he admits to maintaining ambitions for a place in the Wales squad for the upcoming tour of Japan, indicating that his time in France has not diminished his international aspirations.
Meanwhile, the figure of Stuart Lancaster has come into focus for more personal reasons. Lancaster, who has held prominent coaching positions including with England and Racing 92, reflected publicly on the passing of his mentor, Kevin Bowring—the first professionally-appointed head coach of Wales. Bowring, a pivotal figure in coaching development, died last year and had a considerable influence on Lancaster’s career.
Lancaster described Bowring’s death as having a “profound effect” on him and revealed that delivering the eulogy at Bowring’s funeral was a deeply emotional experience. The former England boss has thus expressed a keenness to emulate Bowring’s developmental work, guiding and mentoring coaches rather than teams. “I do want to do a Kevin Bowring role in the future—coach the coaches,” Lancaster said, underscoring the value of support and mentorship at the highest levels of rugby.
As Wales contemplates its future direction, both on and off the field, there is a clear sense of transition and anticipation surrounding these prominent coaching and player moves. The coming months will reveal how the WRU navigates this turning point and which figures will play leading roles in shaping the next chapter of Welsh rugby.