Morgan says the Scotland players are ‘gutted’ after Monday’s announcement by the WRU
Jac Morgan of the British & Irish Lions(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Wales captain Jac Morgan says he’s already spoken to Scottish players about new Wales head coach Steve Tandy as he admitted it was nice to finally be able to look forward to the future.
The search for a replacement for Warren Gatland has taken just over five months, with former Scotland defence coach Tandy being confirmed as the new head coach of the men’s national team on Monday. He’ll start his role in September, ahead of his first autumn campaign in charge of Wales.
The 45-year-old will become the first Welshman since Gareth Jenkins to coach the national team.
For Tandy, it marks his first job in Wales since leaving the Ospreys in 2018 – having coached with the Waratahs, Scotland and the British and Irish Lions since then.
Ospreys back-row Morgan, who skippered Wales in this year’s Six Nations as well as the World Cup in France two years ago, was delighted to have clarity on who will be charge when he returns from the Lions tour in Australia.
“It’s great to be able to have a head coach now so we can look to the future,” said Morgan. “I’ve spoken to a lot of the boys and they’ve all said he’s a great coach but more than that he’s a good bloke as well.”
Scotland’s players were told of Tandy’s departure over the weekend, with the news an understandable blow to them given how he has transformed their defence.
With a considerable contingent of Scottish stars on the Lions tour, getting insight from them hasn’t been too difficult for Morgan – with their reaction telling.
“They’re all pretty gutted and said we’re lucky so that speaks volumes in a way,” he added. “We’re looking forward to it. “
Former Wales wing Shane Williams has also been reacting to the news of his former Ospreys team-mate and coach Tandy getting the Wales job while in Australia.
“I started in Neath on the same day as Steve Tandy and Duncan Jones,” said Williams on S4C. “I’m chuffed for him.
“He’s a really, really nice guy. Sometimes grumpy, but he’s worked really hard to be where he is now.
“He’s been out with the Waratahs. Started at Bridgend and then of course the Ospreys.
“And, of course, what he’s done with Scotland’s defence as well.
“I hope he gets plenty of help along the way as well, because it’s a tough job. We have to be honest.
“But he’s someone who always gives 100 per cent to something. I hope he brings the confidence he has into the role as well.
“He’s got a lot of work to do.”