Steve Tandy has been named as Wales' new head coach.

The ex-Ospreys head coach and flanker will start his new role with the WRU on 1st September - and is expected to lead Wales into the next Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

He succeeds Warren Gatland, who resigned in February just two games into the Six Nations.

Tandy, who was born in Tonmawr, has spent the last six years as a defence coach with Scotland, who recently completed a summer tour of New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa.

He was also a defence coach on the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa, working under Gatland.

Tandy spent six years as head coach of the Ospreys, where he won the Pro 12 (now URC) title in 2012, before taking up a role as a defence coach with New South Wales Waratahs in 2018.

He'll take charge of Wales for the first time when they face Argentina in their first Autumn international on November 9th, followed by games against Japan on 15th November, New Zealand on 22nd November and South Africa on 29th November.

Tandy said: "Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege."

"I am looking forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world."

"I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have. The autumn fixtures represent a huge opportunity and gives us a chance to test ourselves against some of the best teams in world rugby."

Tandy becomes the first Welshman to take on the role since Gareth Jenkins was sacked following Wales' exit from the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt took caretaker charge following Gatland's departure during the Six Nations in February - finally ending Wales' record-breaking barren run of 18 Test defeats with a win in Japan earlier this month.

Tandy now faces the daunting task of helping to rebuild Welsh rugby after a turbulent period both on and off the pitch.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: "After a thorough and detailed appointment process. Steve emerged as the standout candidate, and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job."

"This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men's side.

"Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman .

"Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role." 

Tandy made more than a hundred Ospreys appearances as flanker between 2003 and 2010, but never played for Wales despite making an impression with his region.

He switched to coaching full-time in 2012, two years after starting his career with Bridgend Ravens, guiding them to the Premiership in his first season.

Tandy went onto lift the Pro12 trophy in his first season in charge of Ospreys with a 31-30 win over then-European champions Leinster in the final.

He went onto take the Ospreys to two further semi-finals, losing out to Munster on both occasions, before departing for Australia in 2018.

Dave Reddin, WRU director of rugby, said: "Steve's coaching journey and the approach he has taken to his own learning and development since leaving the Ospreys really impressed us during the interview process."

"He embodies the collaborative and systematic approach to building success that I want to instil across our high-performance system."

"Steve is an excellent coach with the motivation and curiosity to continue to learn and develop very much a part of his DNA; these are hugely important characteristics for everyone in our system."

"He brings a wealth of experience, a unique understanding of Wales and the young talent we have at our disposal and a huge amount of passion and desire to excel in the role."

"Steve is a vital part of the future strategy for success in Welsh rugby and I will ensure he has the space, time and support to realise the potential of the exciting group of players he will have at his disposal."