Wales finally replace Warren Gatland after mid-Six Nations departure
04/21/2025 01:43 PM
The Welsh Rugby Union are reportedly ready to hand Steve Tandy the mammoth task of reviving their faltering men’s national team, according to WalesOnline.
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From Ospreys to Oracles
Once an Ospreys stalwart both on the pitch and in the coaching box, Tandy has carved out a serious reputation since taking over as Scotland's defence coach in 2019. Now considered one of the sharpest minds in world rugby when it comes to defensive structures, he's widely credited with turning Scotland into a tough nut to crack.
The Bath Blueprint
The WRU are banking on a similar rebuild to the one seen at Bath under Johann van Graan—tighten the defence, build resilience, and make being hard to beat your brand. With Wales in full-blown crisis mode after a dismal Six Nations and a record 17-test losing streak, a defensive fixer like Tandy makes perfect sense.
World Cup Woes Looming
It's not just pride on the line either. Wales are on the verge of slipping out of the top two seed bands ahead of the 2027 World Cup draw, which takes place just before next year's Six Nations. That would be a major blow to their tournament hopes.
Plan B: Sherratt and Wilson on Standby
There's a slight snag—Tandy is still tied to the Scottish Rugby Union. If the WRU can’t land him in time, expect a temporary ticket of Matt Sherratt and Harlequins' Danny Wilson to step in. Sherratt's no stranger to the big chair either, having taken interim charge for the final three rounds of the Six Nations after Warren Gatland's early exit.
Watch this space—Wales might finally be laying the first brick of their rugby rebuild.
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28 England players on Andy Farrell’s 75-man Lions watchlist
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there's no shortage of talent vying for a spot.
Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge
Ireland's Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland's Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales' Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
- Nicky Smith (Wales)
- Ellis Genge (England)
- Bevan Rodd (England)
- Fin Baxter (England)
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Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position
Ireland's Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England's Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales' leading option.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- Jamie George (England)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent
Ireland's Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England's trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland's Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Will Stuart (England)
- Joe Heyes (England)
- Kyle Sinckler (England)
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites
Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland's Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland's Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales' strongest option.
- Maro Itoje (England)
- George Martin (England)
- Ollie Chessum (England)
- Courtney Lawes (England)
- David Ribbans (England)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
- Iain Henderson (Ireland)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
- Scott Cummings (Scotland)
- Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine
Ireland's Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England's back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland's Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales' Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.
- Tom Curry (England)
- Ben Curry (England)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Sam Underhill (England)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Jack Willis (England)
- Tom Willis (England)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
- Jack Conan (Ireland)
- Rory Darge (Scotland)
- Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
- Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
- Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Aaron Wainwright (Wales)
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