Steve Tandy says it was “really tough” to leave his role as Scotland defence coach and paid tribute to Gregor Townsend’s “major influence” on his career.
The 45-year-old Welshman ended his six-year Scotland stint last month to take charge of his national team.
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“Leaving Scotland was really tough, there are not many jobs that I would have left Scotland for,” said Tandy at his Wales unveiling in Cardiff.
“Gregor has had a major influence on me. We are different people, I have a defence mindset and he had an attack mindset, so that shaped how we were going to defend.
“It opened up my mind and he was massive on getting out of your comfort zone and going to different places.
“For example, I went to Melbourne Storm and spent a month there, then you go to AFL.
“He was very much a curious person and always trying to think outside the box, building environments for boys to be themselves.
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“The players were incredible to work with and then how Scotland made my family feel, with the support we got.
“It was tough to leave but that tells you about the excitement of this job. I am a passionate Welshman, I want Wales to be putting in performances that everyone can get behind.”
