Wales legend joins Tandy's coaching team to face Boks
SPOTLIGHT: Wales head coach Steve Tandy boosted his coaching group with the addition of a former player ahead of the Nations Championship.
Leigh Halfpenny will join the Wales coaching team for rounds one to three of the inaugural Nations Championship this July, as Wales play away matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa on consecutive weekends.
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The former international won 101 caps for Wales, three Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams and sits third on the all-time men’s points list with 801.
Halfpenny comes in as interim kicking coach, having been part of the coaching team under then interim head coach Matt Sherratt for the two-Test series in Japan last year.
He also coached with Wales U20s back in 2022. For the next three weeks, Halfpenny will again work alongside Matt Sherratt, who is now Wales attack coach, as part of Tandy’s team.
Tandy said: “I’m pleased that Leigh is able to join the coaching team for our three Nations Championship games this July.
“His playing record speaks for itself, and it’s great to get him on board with us as he continues to develop his coaching career. Our young backs will benefit a huge amount from the knowledge and experience that Leigh has to share.”
Halfpenny added: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to work with the men’s national squad again this summer and an exciting opportunity to be part of Steve’s coaching team in the first-ever Nations Championship.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Japan last year, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the group and continuing my development as a coach over the next few weeks.”
WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said: “As Leigh continues his journey from outstanding player to high-potential coach, I’m delighted he is able to join Steve’s team this July and continue his development.”
