Axed Ospreys coach joins Waratahs
NEWS: Waratahs’ team of coaches was finalised with the confirmation of Steve Tandy as defence coach.
Tandy’s appointment for 2019 completes Head Coach Daryl Gibson’s team, that includes Assistant Coaches Simon Cron (forwards) and Chris Whitaker (backs).
Tandy joined the NSW Waratahs earlier this year as part of a professional development opportunity from Wales and Gibson said he brings a different coaching philosophy to the team.
“The players responded well to Steve during his time with us earlier this year. He came over here for his own development and provided us with a different perspective on how we approached our game and now has the defence portfolio for him to develop and implement,” Gibson said.
“That is a part of our game that we need to improve on markedly in 2019 and it will be Steve’s role to help us strengthen that area,”
Tandy brings with him a wealth of experience as former Head Coach of Pro14 Club the Ospreys and as an age grade coach at the club.
“After experiencing the NSW Waratahs environment during the 2018 Super Rugby campaign I had no hesitation in accepting the role of defence coach when the opportunity came along.
“I have learnt a tremendous amount in the time that I spent with the team and having the chance to experience coaching in a different hemisphere is challenging, yet exciting,” Tandy said.
“I want to add value to this group and help build and develop our defensive system. The NSW Waratahs are a team that pride themselves on their attacking ability, and that was evident this year when they became the first NSW Waratahs team to score over 600 points in a season.
“However, we also conceded a lot of tries so defensively we can challenge ourselves to grow and complement our attack,” Tandy added.
As a player, Tandy represented the Ospreys in 102 matches between 2003 and 2010. He cut his teeth as a club coach with Bridgend RFC and as an age grade coach at the Ospreys before moving into the role of Assistant Coach of the professional side. He was appointed Head Coach in 2012.
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