Steve Tandy is close to completing his long-term Wales coaching team, with just one position left to fill: the attacking skills role. The appointment of Alex Davies from Leicester Tigers as kicking coach last week leaves that final vacancy in a staff that now includes Danny Wilson overseeing the forwards, Matt Sherratt the attack, Paul James the scrum, Peter Murchie the defence and Davies the kicking.
Contenders from Welsh rugby
While nothing has been decided, several coaches could make an intriguing fit. Former All Blacks outside-half Nick Evans was initially thought to have applied, but he has since taken up a position with Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus, removing him from the equation.
One name mentioned in Welsh rugby circles is Cardiff assistant coach Jonny Goodridge. Goodridge played a significant role in helping Cardiff reach the United Rugby Championship play-offs last season and has built a strong reputation for developing players during a career that has included academy work with Bristol Bears, as well as spells at Christ College Brecon and Hartpury College. The 43-year-old subsequently spent two-and-a-half years as transition attack coach at Worcester Warriors, where he worked alongside Sherratt. That existing relationship is unlikely to have gone unnoticed, and there are those within the Welsh game who believe it could make Goodridge a natural candidate should Wales decide to look closer to home.
Another name who could enter the conversation is Wales great James Hook. Hook, who has been linked with the kicking role in the past, has been working with the Ospreys academy and remains highly regarded within Welsh rugby. His growing coaching experience could make him an interesting option.
Other Welsh options
Former Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan is highly regarded as a skills coach and has a strong relationship with players. On paper, he would appear to have many of the qualities Wales might want, although his current position as attack coach at Saracens would appear to make a move unlikely.
Scarlets assistant coach Scott Sneddon is another who deserves to be on the radar. Sneddon has developed an excellent reputation for working with young players and is arguably one of the more underrated coaches in Welsh rugby. His work at the Scarlets has been quietly impressive and, if Tandy is looking for someone with a strong eye for individual development as well as attacking skills, he would appear to fit the profile.
Overseas possibilities
Wales could also look beyond its own borders. Former All Blacks centre Aaron Mauger has recently left his role as an assistant coach with Fiji and has considerable experience across the professional game, having also worked with Leicester Tigers, Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders. Mauger would bring a wealth of experience to Tandy’s staff and an understanding of the demands of international rugby.
Another intriguing possibility from New Zealand is Crusaders coach Ryan Crotty. Crotty is still an emerging figure in coaching rather than an established international coach, but his playing career with the All Blacks and Crusaders gives him an obvious understanding of elite rugby. His knowledge of attacking systems and the modern game could make him an outside candidate worth watching.
Former Wales playmaker Stephen Jones is another name who should be considered for a return to Welsh rugby. Jones has built a strong reputation as a coach and would bring considerable experience to Tandy’s set-up, but his current position as attack coach at Newcastle Red Bulls makes a move this close to the start of the season difficult to envisage. It would therefore be a surprise if he were to leave at this stage.
With the rest of his coaching structure now largely in place, Tandy’s final appointment will be an interesting one to watch. Whether he opts for an established name, a coach with strong Welsh connections or a less obvious candidate from overseas, the attacking skills role could yet prove to be an important piece of the jigsaw as he looks to put his stamp on Wales.
