Steve Tandy has been appointed the new head coach of Wales' national team after a lengthy search process finally confirmed Warren Gatland's replacement. The Scotland defence coach, who was previously the head coach of the Ospreys, will start in his role in September. Gatland quit his second stint in charge of Wales midway through the Six Nations, with Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt taking charge on an interim basis for the last five Tests - ending the 18-match losing run at international level with the recent win over Japan in Kobe. Tandy, who also coached with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021, has just been with Scotland for their summer matches against New Zealand Maori, Fiji and Samoa. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Now, he will take over Wales in his first head coaching role at Test level - starting with the autumn campaign against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa. “Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,” said Tandy. “I am looking forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world. “I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have. “The autumn fixtures represent a huge opportunity and gives us a chance to test ourselves against some of the best teams in world rugby.” Tandy is understood to have agreed a long-term deal with the Welsh Rugby Union beyond the 2027 World Cup, with there being a recognition that this is a long-term rebuild ahead. No assistant coaches have been announced yet, although WalesOnline understands that parts of the coaching group that were with Wales in Japan are likely to make up Tandy's backroom staff. Sherratt led Wales in Japan, with Danny Wilson, T. Rhys Thomas, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones and Leigh Halfpenny joining his coaching group for the two-Test tour. “We are delighted to appoint Steve as the new Wales head coach,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney. “After a thorough and detailed appointment process. Steve emerged as the standout candidate, and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job. “This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men’s side. “Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman . “Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role.” Tandy started his role with the Ospreys in 2012, after a playing career that saw him play over 100 times for the club. In his first season in charge, the Ospreys lifted the Pro 12 title after beating Leinster in Dublin in the final. He left the Ospreys in 2018, spending some time with the Waratahs in Australia before taking on the Scotland job under Gregor Townsend. New WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin was the man who ultimately appointed Tandy, as well as being the person the new head coach will report directly to, and he believes the 45-year-old is a "vital part" of Welsh rugby's future. “Steve’s coaching journey and the approach he has taken to his own learning and development since leaving the Ospreys really impressed us during the interview process," said Reddin. “He embodies the collaborative and systematic approach to building success that I want to instil across our high-performance system. “Steve is an excellent coach with the motivation and curiosity to continue to learn and develop very much a part of his DNA; these are hugely important characteristics for everyone in our system “He brings a wealth of experience, a unique understanding of Wales and the young talent we have at our disposal and a huge amount of passion and desire to excel in the role. “Steve is a vital part of the future strategy for success in Welsh rugby and I will ensure he has the space, time and support to realise the potential of the exciting group of players he will have at his disposal.” You can follow live updates and reaction to this story below.