I’ve known Steve Tandy for what feels like forever—back when I made my debut for the Ospreys in 2008, he was still a player.
Those were different days; rugby was tougher and more demanding both on and off the field.
Steve often played backup to Marty Holah, a phenomenal player in his own right, but even then, he was someone who made the Ospreys a welcoming environment for young players like me.
Soon after retiring, Steve moved into coaching, and by 2012, he was heading up the Ospreys as their youngest-ever head coach at just 32.
Admittedly, he probably wasn’t fully ready for the role, but he quickly simplified the game plan and led the team to a Pro12 title in his first season.
The Coaching Style That Works
One of Steve’s biggest strengths has always been his ability to create a positive vibe.
He kept things concise, energizing a talented squad while fostering a supportive environment.
Later, when the pressure ramped up, he sometimes overdid it, but he’s always been self-aware—recently admitting where he got things wrong.
His coaching journey took him to Australia with the Waratahs and then to Scotland, where he’s widely admired by players.
I saw a transformed Steve in 2021 during the Lions tour in South Africa, where he led the defence with authority.
His infectious personality and ability to manage high-profile players made a real difference.
Revitalizing Wales Rugby
Now that he’s the head coach of Wales, Steve has focused on building a strong team culture amid a challenging period for Welsh rugby.
One of his first moves was to shake up the training schedule, which hadn’t changed much since the Warren Gatland era.
By adjusting practice days and creating dedicated recovery periods, he’s brought a fresh energy to the squad.
The Vale Hotel is now a place to relax, with all team meetings held at the National Centre of Excellence.
It might sound like a small detail, but in professional sport, these tweaks are crucial.
Alongside his assistants, Matt Sherratt and Danny Wilson, Steve is hands-on, in contrast to some of his predecessors, which the players clearly appreciate.
Tactical Approach and Team Identity
As Wales prepares for their autumn fixtures, starting with Argentina, the focus is clear: tough, brave, and smart.
Steve is instilling a hard-nosed defensive approach, emphasizing intensity and physicality.
Transition play is another key focus, with the squad looking to capitalize on opposition errors rather than rely solely on outplaying top-tier teams.
It’s a blunt reality that Wales currently lack the depth to consistently beat the best sides, but Steve’s approach is practical and focused on maximizing what the team can achieve.
Navigating Off-Field Challenges
Steve isn’t working in a vacuum. The Welsh Rugby Union’s ongoing plan to reduce professional teams from four to three has created uncertainty, and players are understandably affected.
But Steve has maintained transparency, encouraging open discussions and fostering trust within the squad.
His honest approach is exactly what’s needed during such turbulent times.
Looking Ahead to Key Matches
Beating Japan and seeing clear signs of progress would mark a successful autumn for Wales, but a victory over Argentina would be exceptional.
Meanwhile, England’s win over Australia showcased the power of strategic substitutions, particularly with Henry Pollock’s impact off the bench—a “Moment of Excellence” in my view.
The All Blacks also look formidable ahead of their Twickenham clash with England, with New Zealand using bench players to exploit width and pace effectively.
Their game promises to be monumental, as does France versus South Africa in Paris, which I’ll be commentating on for TNT Sports this Saturday night.
Fresh Eyes, Positive Changes, and Rugby’s Details Matter
Whether it’s Steve Tandy revitalizing Wales or strategic bench play in international rugby, small adjustments and fresh thinking can make all the difference.
In professional sport, these nuances—training schedules, recovery days, or substitution timing—can define success.
With Steve at the helm, Wales are looking to build a stronger, smarter, and more resilient team.