A senior Wales coach has reportedly been left at home as the squad travels to South Africa for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against the Springboks.
According to WalesOnline, contact skills coach Dan Lydiate did not travel for Wales’ 35-21 defeat to Argentina and will also miss the Durban leg of the tour after he and several members of the backroom staff were left behind in Wales.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
The report states that Lydiate’s absence is due to the terms of his contract rather than a coaching reshuffle.
The former Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker joined the national coaching set-up on a full-time basis in May following his retirement from playing.
However, WalesOnline reports that Lydiate’s role is limited to weekdays and does not extend to match days, despite him attending Wales’ Nations Championship opener against Fiji.
It is understood the same arrangement will apply to Wales’ future attacking skills coach once that vacancy is filled.
The report also notes that it is not unusual for members of Wales’ wider support staff to remain at home during tours to the southern hemisphere as part of budget-saving measures.
Wales will now look to bounce back from defeat in Argentina when they face the world champion Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Richie McCaw lined up for surprise international coaching role
- Richie Mo’unga approached to switch nations after All Blacks exile
- Team News: Springboks forced into another late change
- Three countries banned from Rugby World Cup 2027
- Henry Pollock’s reaction to being benched by England says a lot
Quiz: Name the Top 10 Highest Points Scorers in Rugby History
Scoring points at Test level is one of rugby’s toughest challenges. It takes consistency, longevity and the ability to deliver under pressure against the very best teams in the world.
You have three minutes to name the top 10 highest points scorers in men’s international rugby union history. How many can you get?
