James appointed scrum coach for Wales
NEWS: Former Wales prop Paul James has been appointed as Wales’s scrum coach on a full-time basis, joining Steve Tandy’s coaching staff ahead of this year’s Nations Championship.
James, who previously filled the role on an interim basis during the 2026 Six Nations, will work closely with assistant coach Danny Wilson, who oversees the lineout and contact area.
In addition to his responsibilities during international windows, James will also work with players outside of national camps to aid their development and progression within the Welsh system.
Currently employed by the Ospreys, James will officially begin his new role this summer as Wales prepare for the inaugural Nations Championship, which kicks off in July.
The 66-Test former Wales international enjoyed a distinguished playing career, featuring at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and playing a key role in Wales’s 2012 Grand Slam and 2013 Six Nations title-winning campaigns. At club level, he made 232 appearances for the Ospreys – the second-most in the club’s history – and helped them secure four league titles and an EDF Energy Cup.
Since retiring, James has built an impressive coaching résumé. He joined the Ospreys academy setup in December 2018 and has guided their Under-18 side to Regional Age Grade Championship titles in 2023, 2025 and 2026. He also served as Wales U20 scrum and set-piece coach in 2021 and has spent the past three seasons coaching Swansea in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Tandy welcomed the appointment, praising James’ impact during the Six Nations.
“I’m delighted to have Paul joining us this summer as we prepare for the Nations Championship,” said Tandy. “It was impressive how quickly he adapted during the Six Nations, and we’re excited to have him with us full-time. Paul is an excellent coach and will play an important role in accelerating the development of our young squad.”
James described the opportunity as a significant career milestone.
“I’ve loved my time with the Ospreys and Swansea, but this is an incredible opportunity and a huge honour,” he said. “I really enjoyed working with Steve and the group during the Six Nations and I’m looking forward to building on that, while also helping develop players outside of camp.”
WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said James emerged as the standout candidate during a competitive recruitment process.
“He impressed us both as a person and a coach, and I know he will add tremendous value to Steve’s coaching team and the future of Welsh rugby.”
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