Wales' search for a permanent kicking coach is intensifying, with Leicester Tigers assistant Alex Davies emerging as the frontrunner to join Steve Tandy's coaching staff.
Tandy has been seeking a dedicated kicking coach after Leigh Halfpenny, who took on the role for the Nations Championship, moved to Cardiff. Ospreys legend James Hook and Halfpenny himself have also been considered for the position.
Davies' credentials
Davies, 40, currently serves as the skills and kicking coach at English Premiership side Leicester Tigers. His previous roles include stints with England Women, Rosslyn Park, and the Netherlands national team. As a player, he operated at scrum-half and outside-half for London Welsh, Bath, and Rosslyn Park.
If appointed, Davies would work with Wales' fly-halves Dan Edwards, Sam Costelow, and Jarrod Evans to enhance their kicking game.
Other coaching additions
Tandy has quietly bolstered his backroom team. Former Scotland international Peter Murchie joined as defence coach this summer, while Paul James was appointed permanent scrum coach at the same time.
In April, the Welsh Rugby Union advertised three positions to complete Tandy's coaching lineup: a kicking coach, a scrum coach, and an attacking skills coach. Cardiff assistant Jonny Goodridge has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the attacking skills role.
Tandy will aim to have his full coaching team assembled before the Nations Championship resumes this autumn.
