The latest headlines from Wales and around the world
Tandy is set to be offered the vacant Wales head coach job(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
These are your rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 22.
Tandy contract details emerge
New details have emerged about Steve Tandy’s contract situation with Scotland, with the Welsh Rugby Union set to offer him the vacant Wales head coach role.
The Scotland defence coach emerged as the front runner to replace Warren Gatland last week and is now in line to become the New Zealander’s long-term successor. However, it is believed that the former Ospreys boss is unlikely to be in place for Wales’ summer tour of Japan as he is still under contract with Scotland. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
MailOnline reports that Tandy’s current deal runs past next year’s Six Nations and is set to expire in April 2026.
The WRU are expected to try to get the 45-year-old out of his contract before the Japan tour, but if they cannot, it is expected they will turn to Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt – who took interim charge of Wales during the Six Nations – and Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson to take temporary charge for the two-Test tour in July.
If Tandy accepts the WRU’s offer of becoming Wales’ new head coach, he is expected to move for Sherratt as attack coach while Wilson and Ospreys assistant Duncan Jones are leading candidates to take charge of the forwards. The union are also keen for Adam Jones to become permanent scrum coach, a role he held during the Six Nations on secondment from Harlequins.
Lions captain issues Jac Morgan verdict
Brian O’Driscoll has picked his British & Irish Lions captain for this summer’s tour of Australia and given his verdict on Jac Morgan’s position within the squad.
With a heavy Irish presence on the coaching ticket and expected within the playing squad, Ireland star Caelan Doris has long been tipped to be made skipper by head coach Andy Farrell.
However, 2005 Lions captain O’Driscoll says he would prefer a non-Irish captain, with England’s Maro Itoje his standout choice. Wales skipper Morgan has also been touted for the role despite his nation’s dismal losing run, but the former Ireland centre says such an appointment is not going to happen.
“I thought Caelan would be [captain], but there’s a good chance it could be Itoje now,” the 46-year-old told The Times. “It’s unlikely to be Jac Morgan, as you can’t guarantee him a starting place because there are a lot of back-rowers.
“I think Morgan will go, but Maro — I’ve been impressed with him. He’s quietly gone about his business. He’s got the presence and he’s going to start, which is important for your Test captain.”
O’Driscoll added: “Maybe it takes a bit of pressure off other selections for Faz. If he did lean towards the tried and tested with Ireland players, maybe it gives a different complexion with an English captain. I think Maro would be a great captain.
“I thought he’d go with someone he knew in Doris. He’s new to captaincy, and I know Maro is too, but he’s got experience and miles on the clock. It’s a close-run thing. It’ll certainly be between the two of them. Faz has spoken about five or six guys [on his captaincy shortlist] . . . no. It’ll be between two.”
Sports chief speaks out on shock World Cup plan
Saudi Arabia’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal has confirmed the nation’s intent to host the Rugby World Cup in a decade’s time.
Last month, it was reported that the country, together with the UAE and Qatar, are set to propose a bid to host the tournament in 2035. Saudi Arabia is already set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, but could double down by hosting rugby’s biggest competition the following year.
The reported move has proved controversial amongst fans, with a successful bid meaning the rugby calendar would have to be ripped up with the tournament set to be held in December and January when temperatures are cool enough. Additionally, none of the three countries have ever played in a Rugby World Cup, so World Rugby would have to change its rules around host nations.
However, following an appearance at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah, the minister admitted hosting the tournament was of interest to him.
“We’re interested in rugby, we’re interested in developing the sport locally, so we created a federation to see what we can do to develop the sport,” he said.
“I don’t think we’re on the level of hosting yet, but 2035 is in 10 years, so maybe it grows in that direction and we see a big interest in that, then why not?”