Dan Lydiate has been appointed to Steve Tandy’s full-time coaching staff as a specialist coach, following interim work this season.

Lydiate’s responsibilities within Tandy’s set up will be for defensive contact skills, including technical development and delivery for tackle, assistant tackle and post-contact elements.

The former Wales flanker previously worked with on an interim basis during the 2025 autumn internationals, and 2026 Six Nations.

Lydiate has been working at the Dragons since the end of his playing days in 2025 but will be leaving the region at the end of the season.

As well as being involved with Steve Tandy’s coaching team during national squad camps where he will work closely with incoming defence coach Pete Murchie, Lydiate’s role will see him operate across the men’s game outside international campaign windows to continue developing players.

As a player, Lydiate won 74 caps for Wales and was a key part of the 2010s dominance that the side had under Warren Gatland.

He won the Grand Slam in 2012, picking up the Player of the Championship award during that campaign. The 38-year-old also featured in all three British and Irish Lions tests on the successful tour of Australia in 2013.

“I have enjoyed my experience with Dragons first as a player-coach then as a full-time coach,” Lydiate said.

“I’ve learnt a huge amount and am grateful to have been able to combine my club coaching with an interim role with Wales this season.

“It’s an incredible honour to have the opportunity to move into a full-time role with Wales. I’m excited not only to continue working with Steve and the group, but also take on a broader remit to help with the development of players outside of camp as well.”

Lydiate is the second full time coaching appointment to Steve Tandy’s staff, with Pete Murchie confirmed as the defence coach from the summer onwards, complementing Matt Sherratt in attack, and Danny Wilson with the forwards.

“It’s great to have Dan join us now on a full-time basis,” Tandy added.

“He has done a really good job around the contact area but also with the mindset of the group.

“He has a very natural style and a huge amount to offer. I think he and Pete [Murchie] will really complement each other working together with the squad in camp. Beyond that, Dan’s approach and influence will be key in helping us develop players week-on-week outside of international windows.”

“We’re delighted to appoint Dan in this specialist role on a full-time basis,” WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said.

“He’s added a lot of value already during two campaigns with the national squad and will now take a bigger role working throughout the year to ensure players’ continued progression and help support an aligned Welsh rugby DNA.”

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