Wales head coach Steve Tandy has made his first major backroom appointment, bringing in Danny Wilson from Harlequins to bolster his coaching team ahead of the autumn internationals.

Wilson, who was seconded to Wales during the summer tour of Japan, will take permanent charge of the lineout and contact areas. During that brief spell, he helped Wales end their losing streak with a morale-boosting win over Eddie Jones’ side, a glimpse of what Tandy hopes his influence can bring on a longer-term basis.

The move leaves Harlequins with a headache just 15 days before the new Premiership season kicks off. Wilson will oversee one final match with the London club, against Newcastle Red Bulls, before heading into camp with Wales. The Quins hierarchy are now tasked with finding a successor at short notice.

For Wilson, the appointment caps a varied coaching career at both club and international level. He has previously led Cardiff Rugby and Glasgow Warriors, before taking charge at Harlequins, where his side gained a reputation for expansive, attacking rugby. A highlight of his tenure came in May 2024, when Quins pushed eventual champions Toulouse close in a Champions Cup semi-final. He has also worked alongside Tandy before during his time on Scotland’s coaching staff.

Welsh rugby remains in transition, but the addition of Wilson adds further pedigree to Tandy’s set-up. With senior players like Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams forming the core, and young talents such as Dan Edwards and Blair Murray emerging, plus the return of Louis Rees-Zammit,supporters will be hoping for signs of progress when Wales face Argentina in their opening autumn Test.

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