This summer, Dan Lydiate will depart from Dragons to take up a permanent position on Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching staff.
The former Wales flanker previously contributed to the national setup during the autumn internationals and the Six Nations, and will now assume a full-time role focusing on contact skills while collaborating with incoming defense coach Pete Murchie.
“It’s fantastic to have Dan join us permanently. He has made a significant impact in the contact area and on the team’s mindset,” said head coach Steve Tandy. “He brings a natural coaching style and a wealth of knowledge. I believe he and Pete will complement each other well working with the squad in camp. Moreover, Dan’s approach and influence will be crucial in developing players week by week outside international windows.”
Wales are set to face the Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa this summer.
Lydiate earned 72 caps for Wales and played all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions during their successful 2013 tour to Australia. The chop-tackling blind-side flanker served as a player-coach in his second spell with Dragons and remained part of Filo Tiatia’s management team after retiring from playing last summer.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Dragons, first as a player-coach and then as a full-time coach,” said Lydiate, who also played for Ospreys and Racing Metro. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount and am grateful to have combined my club coaching with an interim role for Wales this season. It’s an incredible honor to have the chance to move into a full-time position with Wales. I’m excited not only to continue working with Steve and the group but also to take on a broader remit to help develop players outside of camp.”
Lydiate joins Danny Wilson, Matt Sherratt, and former Glasgow coach Pete Murchie as full-time members of Tandy’s staff. He will link up with Wales after completing the season with Dragons, where he has worked closely with experienced defense coach Dale MacLeod.
“Dan works tirelessly to improve every player he works with, whether they are senior professionals or young academy prospects, as he passes on his extensive knowledge and expertise,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia. “He now has a fantastic opportunity to join Wales on a full-time basis and leaves at the end of this season with our full support. Wales are fortunate to have him.”
Dragons coach Rhys Patchell, who is moving to Benetton, assisted Wales with kicking during the autumn and Six Nations, while Ospreys duo Duncan Jones and Paul James led the scrum work.
