The WRU have confirmed former Scotland assistant Steve Tandy as the new Wales men’s head coach – and the backlash online has been immediate and brutal.
Tandy, 45, will leave his post as Scotland’s defence coach and officially take the reins on 1 September. The former Ospreys flanker has signed a three-year deal, running past the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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The WRU and Scottish Rugby Union struck a deal to release Tandy from his contract following the summer tour, with WRU performance director Dave Reddin announcing the move.
But Welsh fans aren’t having it.
"Wish him well but this just shows the level of ambition in the WRU."
"Shocking choice, just shows the state of Welsh rugby. He has no credentials and done nothing in the game. Massive backwards step."
"Six months to search the world over and this is what you come up with! Guess it’s the cheapest option for you. Good job you are not wasting 10s of thousands sending the women and hangers on out to Australia three weeks out from a World Cup in England!"
"After the next 6 Nations – The WRU would like to thank Steve Tandy for his service to the national side and we would like to welcome (insert name here) as the new coach of the men’s side."
"Tierney wouldn’t know a good coach if it slapped her in the face. And as for Tandy statement, talk about sucking up. Whilst the top of the WRU stays the same nothing will change in Welsh Rugby."
Some fans raised serious concerns about Tandy's lack of attacking credentials and wider experience:
"I really can't see how a guy whose only experience beyond regional rugby is as a defence coach is going to develop the skills and creativity that is so lacking in the Welsh game. I despair."
"'Nothing against ST but if he’s the “ outstanding” coach available globally ??!!.. WRU could not have searched that hard.. or we’re not willing to pay the going rate..so for me it’s another less than satisfactory offering from the board.."
The WRU now faces a huge battle – not just on the pitch, but in winning back the confidence of a furious fanbase.
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Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England to Face Tournament Debutants
The tournament’s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the predicted groups and team bios for the RWC 2027:
? Group A
South Africa ??
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
Argentina ??
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Samoa ??
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
Tonga ??
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
? Group B
New Zealand ??
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
Scotland ?
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
Japan ??
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
Chile ??
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
☘️ Group C
Ireland ??
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
The current Six Nations champions and long-time world number one, Ireland seek to finally break their quarterfinal curse with a golden generation.
Fiji ??
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Masters of running rugby, Fiji’s offloading game and growing discipline under top-tier coaching make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Spain ??
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Los Leones are rapidly growing in the European rugby scene, blending speed and flair. Their qualification signals a new frontier for Spanish sport.
Romania ??
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
One of Europe’s oldest rugby nations, the Oaks are known for forward dominance and proud World Cup heritage dating back to the tournament's inception.
?? Group D
France ??
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
With dazzling backs and a rock-solid forward pack, Les Bleus are perennial contenders. Hosting in 2023 has reinvigorated their World Cup ambitions.
Italy ??
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
Improving steadily in the Six Nations, Italy combines young talent with seasoned veterans, eager to progress past the pool stage for the first time.
USA ??
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
The Eagles are building toward hosting the 2031 RWC, and 2027 will be a crucial stepping stone. Athleticism is abundant—structure is the next step.
Belgium ??
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
A surprise qualifier, Belgium’s Black Devils have risen thanks to domestic development and strategic coaching. This is their chance to make history.
?☠️ Group E
England ?
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
The 2003 world champions remain a major force. With a powerful set piece and tactical nous, they always make deep runs in World Cups.
Georgia ??
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Kings of the scrum, Georgia has long pushed for inclusion in the Six Nations. 2027 could be their breakout year on the global stage.
Uruguay ??
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Los Teros have become a staple at RWCs and continue to punch above their weight, fueled by tenacity and growing domestic structures.
Hong Kong China ??
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
A fast-developing rugby nation, Hong Kong brings agility and speed. Their appearance in 2027 is a testament to Asia’s growing rugby footprint.
? Group F
Australia ?? (Host)
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Two-time champions and hosts of RWC 2027, the Wallabies are looking to bounce back from recent struggles with the home crowd behind them.
Wales ?
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
A proud rugby nation with three semifinal appearances, Wales combines tradition with explosive talent in the backline.
Portugal ??
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
The "Lobos" won hearts in 2023 with their fearless play. Technically sharp and fast-improving, they are no longer underdogs.
Zimbabwe ??
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
Returning to the RWC stage for the first time in decades, Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a historic comeback for African rugby.
?️ A Tournament of Opportunity
The expanded format ensures more nations, more stories, and more reasons to believe in rugby’s global mission. For some teams, it’s about lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. For others, it’s about making history, inspiring a new generation, and proving that rugby is for everyone, everywhere.
With Australia as the host—rugby-mad and world-class—the stage is set for the most inclusive Rugby World Cup ever.
