Wales have appointed former international prop Paul James as the national team's permanent new scrum coach, it has been announced.
The 44-year-old beat off competition from a number of high profile candidates, including Wales legend Adam Jones and fellow ex-Wales star Duncan Jones. He starts work immediately and will coach players outside of international campaign windows to continue their development and progression.
James stepped into the role on a temporary basis during this year's Six Nations after Duncan Jones, who had been given the role for the tournament, was injured in a freak training round accident.
Harlequins coach Adam Jones, who also worked with Wales on secondment last year, had perhaps been seen as the favourite for the job.
James joins Tandy, Matt Sherratt, Danny Wilson and Peter Murchie as full-time Wales coaches after coming through a thorough selection process. A new kicking coach and attacking skills specialist are still to be appointed, with the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and James Hook thought to have interviewed.
It's believed the WRU have narrowed down their list of candidates, but as of last week, they had not interviewed candidates. One applicant they have missed out on is former New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans. WalesOnline understand the 45-year-old, who was part of England's coaching set-up briefly in 2023, had applied for one of the coaching jobs with the WRU after leaving Harlequins this summer, but he would appear to have another role lined up elsewhere.
Tandy said: “I’m delighted to have Paul joining us this summer as we get ready to compete in the new Nations Championship and would like to thank the Ospreys for their support in facilitating his release, enabling him to join our coaching setup in time for our summer matches.
“It was impressive how quickly Paul got up to speed at short notice during the Six Nations and we’re excited to have him with us now full-time. Paul is a great coach and I know he will give his all to help accelerate the development of our young squad.”
James said: “I’ve loved my time at Ospreys and Swansea but this is an incredible opportunity and it’s a huge honour to be joining the Wales coaching team.
“It was great to work with Steve and the group during the Six Nations and I can’t wait to get back in and build on that. I’m also looking forward to the other side of the role and being able to continue developing players outside of camp.”
WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul as the outstanding candidate we interviewed in a highly competitive process. He impressed us both as a person and a coach and I know he will add a huge amount to Steve’s team now as well as our Welsh Rugby DNA in the future.”
During his playing career, James won 66 caps - winning a Grand Slam and Six Nations title with Wales.
Since retiring, James has coached with the Ospreys since 2018.
He also served as scrum and set-piece coach with Wales U20s in 2021.
