Steve Tandy has been installed as the early favourite to take over from Warren Gatland, should the under-pressure coach leave his position as Wales head coach.
Gatland is under increasing pressure heading into this weekend’s clash with South Africa, with Sunday’s crushing defeat to Australia condemning Wales to their worst ever run of Test defeats.
Indeed, the Wales head coach himself has admitted he is considering his future. After the chastening defeat by the Wallabies, he said: “I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t ask myself some questions,” he said. “You get criticised.
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“It’s probably taking a little bit of today and reflecting on some stuff. I had a chat with Nigel (Walker) and Richard (Collier-Keywood) in the changing rooms afterwards.
“I love being involved in the game. I love doing what I’m doing. I don’t know why everyone is looking for the one right answer and the one right question that makes the headline. Is that what we’re looking for?
“What I do care about massively is Welsh rugby, the people and the friends I’ve made. The future of the game. Let’s make sure we make the best decision for Welsh rugby.
“If that’s me moving on, if that’s the best decision, I’m fine.
“If we go ‘no, we don’t want to do that’, then there’s things and strategies we can put in place so hopefully we can work collectively together, maybe take back a bit of control that we have lost a little bit. But it’s a really important time between now and the next few years, building towards 2027.”
There has already been speculation over potential replacements, and it seems the bookies have had their say already.
Tandy, who’s currently defence coach at Scotland, has been installed as 3/1 favourite with Dragonbet should Gatland leave, closely followed by Ronan O’Gara at 5/1
Several others, including Argentina boss Michael Cheika and Scotland assistant Brad Mooar, have come in at 8/1. You can take a look at our in-depth piece on Wales’ options, should Gatland depart, here.
Odds in full
Steve Tandy 3/1
Ronan O’Gara 5/1
Brad Mooar 8/1
Jonathan Humphreys 8/1
Franco Smith 8/1
Michael Cheika 8/1
(Odds courtesy of DragonBet and correct at time of publishing)
