Latest news with #AbiTierney
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Tonmawr's Tandy destined to become Wales head coach
"It is the job he was destined to do."That was the verdict from Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney after installing Steve Tandy as the men's head has returned to Wales after a seven-year absence following coaching stints in Australia and has completed the transition from a no-nonsense flanker, who never quite managed to win a Wales cap, to leading his country off the his beloved Tonmawr to the top job in Welsh rugby. This is the Steve Tandy story. Local lad done good Tandy hails from the small village of Tonmawr, which is about four miles east of Neath. "What an achievement for a guy from Tonmawr, everyone in the area is so proud of Steve," Tonmawr club president Michael Thomas told Radio Cymru."It is a small village and the rugby club is very important to village life."It is a family club and the Tandy family has made a huge contribution to this club."His grandfather Jimmy played for the club, and for Neath."His dad, Peter, played and coached here. Steve himself played for this club and then his brother Kevin, who also coached. "And now Steve's nephew, Kevin's son Elliott, is the club captain." Playing days Tandy made the trip down the road to the Gnoll in the late 1990s where he was greeted by Lyn Jones, who was Neath's head coach between 1994 and 2003 before leading Ospreys until 2008."Steve started at Neath in 1998, and you could see he loved rugby," said Jones."He wanted to know everything. He's a serious person and enjoys the minutiae of the sport."He came to every single training session, standing next to Brett Sinkinson [former Neath and Wales flanker] waiting for his chance."One day that chance finally came."Tandy made 74 appearances for Neath before becoming a member of the Ospreys squad when the region was formed in 2003, where he played 102 games.A month after playing his final professional game in March 2010, the back-rower was appointed head coach of Bridgend, having started his coaching career with Ospreys' Under-16s and spending time helping guide secured promotion to the Welsh Premiership in his first season before he was thrust into the professional spotlight in February 2012. Strong Ospreys start Aged just 32, Tandy was appointed as head coach by Andrew Hore to replace Sean Holley, with director of rugby Scott Johnson also leaving Ospreys on the same was a baptism of fire with Tandy having to lead people he had played with and manage high-profile took things in his stride by guiding his star-studded side to the Pro12 title with Ospreys defeating reigning European champions Leinster in the Dublin Wales second row Ian Gough straddled Tandy's two rugby careers."I played with and against Steve and was coached by him when he started his coaching career and also coached with him," Gough told BBC Radio Wales."He is a proud guy and he might even manage a smile after this news, although he is not known to smile too often. "He is a good, honest bloke. He says it as it is, he is not somebody who will say something to your face and then something else behind your back. He will always front up. I am just so proud of him."Ospreys reached the league semi-finals on two more occasions during Tandy's tenure but never cracked left in January 2018 with managing director Andrew Millward "saying the decision that has been taken lightly" but "results had not been good enough and change was necessary". Friends reunited Tandy was left wondering what to do next and made his way to Australia where he linked up as defence coach with Super Rugby side was reunited with former Ospreys boss Hore who was by then chief executive of the Sydney-based director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin says Tandy's readiness to try different environments proved a factor in his appointment."His coaching journey shows someone that has been unafraid to push himself into some uncomfortable experiences and challenge the way he was operating as a coach and develop as a result," said Reddin."Particularly moving from the Ospreys to the Waratahs was a journey that caused him to re-imagine how he coached and how he thought about it."He's continued to do that throughout his career and that's an amazing quality for, our younger players particularly, to be able to see in the coach and there's still growth in everybody." Scotland success Tandy was snapped up by Scotland following the 2019 World Cup and has been there since, with a stint also with Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions side in South Africa in flanker Jac Morgan says the Scottish players in the British and Irish Lions squad were gutted to see Tandy leave their set-up and those sentiments were echoed by head coach Gregor Townsend."We're sorry to see Steve go because he's had a positive influence on Scottish rugby," said Townsend."Firstly, with the players he's worked with and developed, and secondly the work he's done with the team, turning them into one of the best defensive sides in the world. As coaches we have loved working and learning from him."He has helped me massively in my role and been someone I've leaned on for advice. "It'll be sad not having him with us anymore but I understand it's a massive honour for him to become head coach of his home country."Scotland's loss is Wales gain, although the Tandy family might need to be reminded of their allegiances once more."For the last six years if you walk around Neath, I've seen Steve's dad, Peter wearing a Scotland Rugby Union jacket," said Lyn Jones."So I'm looking forward to seeing him wearing a new red coat now!" 'Coaching at the top level' Tandy has not been a head coach at international level but his old Neath and Ospreys mentor Jones does not believe the new Wales boss will be hampered by that."Steve has the experience," said Jones."He knows what needs to be done, and would have learnt those lessons from being head coach at Bridgend and Ospreys. "He will have experience as well from being part of the Lions' coaching set up to South Africa in 2021."Gough praised Tandy's bravery in taking on the job."It is a gutsy decision by him and his family," said Gough."He has come into the hot-seat at arguably the toughest position in world rugby at the moment. "He knows the task at hand and it is a huge challenge. He is a Tonmawr boy and his family live in the area, so he will live it 24/7."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tierney has 'fire' to help Welsh rugby transform
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney says she still has "fire in her belly" in the role and wants to help the Wales men's team return to the elite of world rugby. Steve Tandy has been installed as the new men's head coach as he takes over a side who suffered a record 18 Test defeats before a first win in 21 months when they beat Japan earlier this month. Wales have slipped to 12th in the world rankings after Tierney launched a new strategy in June 2024 where the aim was for Wales to be in the top five in 2029. "It was always an aspiration but it's getting harder to achieve that since we published that," said Tierney. "It doesn't mean we're giving up on it. I've got fire in my belly to get up there." It has been a tumultuous time in Welsh rugby since Tierney took over in January in 2024 but she says she will not walk away. "I have the fire to stay in the role, absolutely," said Tierney. "I'm not considering doing anything different. I don't give up easily." Tierney is currently in Australia where she is watching the British and Irish Lions tour and attending World Rugby meetings. When asked if suggestions that she would leave her post upon her return had any truth in them, she replied: "Categorically false." Will there be a cut in sides? It remains a tough time with the WRU considering halving the number of regions in Wales as part of a new domestic structure by the 2027-28 season. The governing body says it is entering a formal consultation and could reduce the number of regions from four to three or even two, with a final decision expected by October. "So one of the options is to keep four but fund them differently," said Tierney. "Another option is to go to three or you could fund them differently again. You could have a three on equal funding or a two plus one. "Other option is to go to two. From a performance level you can make them work. I think they've all got trade-offs." Mergers between sides have been mooted. "Everything is on the table," said Tierney. "In the formal consultation will be a direction of travel in terms of number of clubs and then conversations begin in earnest to see how clubs can make that work." The season 2027-28 has been highlighted for the time for change with Tierney stating the early date of 2026-27 could only achieved if there an agreement was in place. Tierney says they have spoken to the United Rugby Championship (URC) about reducing teams. "They have been as supportive as they can be and understand we need to do something," said Tierney. "Their preference is we stay with four teams but understand we may need to do something so it is about working with them." Tierney also stated the WRU's focus was on the URC rather than trying to go into an Anglo-Welsh league. 'Cardiff situation made us pause' Earlier this year, the WRU had previously stated there was enough money to fund four professional sides equally. Tierney says things changed when Cardiff went into administration in April and was taken over by the WRU. The current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in June 2027 and was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal. The deal has been agreed by Cardiff and Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets, who say "key issues" have not been resolved. "When Cardiff happened, that showed just how challenged the system is," said Tierney. "It made us all pause, including the regions. That meant we weren't able to give sufficient reassurances to two of the regions for them to sign. "So when you don't have a deal, it's time to think about what to do different." Tierney say a drop in finances has affected their previous forecasts. "When we modelled the original offer, it was based on the numbers at the time but numbers have gone the wrong way since then," said Tierney. "We should have done a tougher downside but the headwinds that have affected rugby globally since were not reflected, especially competition income and media rights, while costs have also gone up with national insurance, player wages and costs of running a stadium. "We've seen revenue going down and costs going up. It means the gap to make up is larger for the regions. There's only so far the money goes." Ospreys and Scarlets are considering legal action against the WRU about their handling of the Cardiff situation. "That's always a concern," said Tierney. "They are all still talking to me about what's in best interest for Welsh rugby and want to find a way forward. "I remain optimistic we will find a way through this and can avoid legal action because that's the worst thing that can happen for Welsh rugby with delays and costs involved." Wales name Tandy as new head coach 'Big decisions needed for radical future' - WRU's Reddin Tandy needs 'patience' in Wales task, says Davies Committed to providing certainty Tierney accepts the current uncertainty in Welsh rugby is troubling. "It is a huge burden when you hear about players worried about their jobs," said Tierney. "It is not just the players, but all employees with the four clubs and the WRU because we are looking at changing the whole system. "This is not just about the number of clubs but it's about how we transform professional rugby and our pathways. "You take that seriously and we have committed to honouring players contracts. "Hopefully people will see we behaved with integrity around the Cardiff situation. "We will continue to try and make sure people get certainty as quickly as possible, treat people with respect and are as transparent and open as we can." Tierney says change is required. "We need to now put something in place that might be hard but put us on a sustainable footing going forward and won't require future change," said Tierney. "We all say we need to do something different and the message from clubs and players is to do that quickly and remove uncertainty."
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Tierney has 'fire' to help Welsh rugby transform
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney says she still has "fire in her belly" in the role and wants to help the Wales men's team return to the elite of world Tandy has been installed as the new men's head coach as he takes over a side who suffered a record 18 Test defeats before a first win in 21 months when they beat Japan earlier this have slipped to 12th in the world rankings after Tierney launched a new strategy in June 2024 where the aim was for Wales to be in the top five in 2029."It was always an aspiration but it's getting harder to achieve that since we published that," said Tierney."It doesn't mean we're giving up on it. I've got fire in my belly to get up there." It has been a tumultuous time in Welsh rugby since Tierney took over in January in 2024 but she says she will not walk away. "I have the fire to stay in the role, absolutely," said Tierney."I'm not considering doing anything different. I don't give up easily."Tierney is currently in Australia where she is watching the British and Irish Lions tour and attending World Rugby meetings. When asked if suggestions that she would leave her post upon her return had any truth in them, she replied: "Categorically false." Will there be a cut in sides? It remains a tough time with the WRU considering halving the number of regions in Wales as part of a new domestic structure by the 2027-28 governing body says it is entering a formal consultation and could reduce the number of regions from four to three or even two, with a final decision expected by October."So one of the options is to keep four but fund them differently," said Tierney."Another option is to go to three or you could fund them differently again. You could have a three on equal funding or a two plus one. "Other option is to go to two. From a performance level you can make them work. I think they've all got trade-offs."Mergers between sides have been mooted."Everything is on the table," said Tierney."In the formal consultation will be a direction of travel in terms of number of clubs and then conversations begin in earnest to see how clubs can make that work."The season 2027-28 has been highlighted for the time for change with Tierney stating the early date of 2026-27 could only achieved if there an agreement was in says they have spoken to the United Rugby Championship (URC) about reducing teams."They have been as supportive as they can be and understand we need to do something," said Tierney. "Their preference is we stay with four teams but understand we may need to do something so it is about working with them."Tierney also stated the WRU's focus was on the URC rather than trying to go into an Anglo-Welsh league. 'Cardiff situation made us pause' Earlier this year, the WRU had previously stated there was enough money to fund four professional sides says things changed when Cardiff went into administration in April and was taken over by the current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in June 2027 and was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal has been agreed by Cardiff and Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets, who say "key issues" have not been resolved."When Cardiff happened, that showed just how challenged the system is," said Tierney."It made us all pause, including the regions. That meant we weren't able to give sufficient reassurances to two of the regions for them to sign. "So when you don't have a deal, it's time to think about what to do different."Tierney say a drop in finances has affected their previous forecasts."When we modelled the original offer, it was based on the numbers at the time but numbers have gone the wrong way since then," said Tierney."We should have done a tougher downside but the headwinds that have affected rugby globally since were not reflected, especially competition income and media rights, while costs have also gone up with national insurance, player wages and costs of running a stadium."We've seen revenue going down and costs going up. It means the gap to make up is larger for the regions. There's only so far the money goes."Ospreys and Scarlets are considering legal action against the WRU about their handling of the Cardiff situation."That's always a concern," said Tierney."They are all still talking to me about what's in best interest for Welsh rugby and want to find a way forward."I remain optimistic we will find a way through this and can avoid legal action because that's the worst thing that can happen for Welsh rugby with delays and costs involved." Committed to providing certainty Tierney accepts the current uncertainty in Welsh rugby is troubling."It is a huge burden when you hear about players worried about their jobs," said Tierney."It is not just the players, but all employees with the four clubs and the WRU because we are looking at changing the whole system."This is not just about the number of clubs but it's about how we transform professional rugby and our pathways."You take that seriously and we have committed to honouring players contracts. "Hopefully people will see we behaved with integrity around the Cardiff situation."We will continue to try and make sure people get certainty as quickly as possible, treat people with respect and are as transparent and open as we can."Tierney says change is required."We need to now put something in place that might be hard but put us on a sustainable footing going forward and won't require future change," said Tierney."We all say we need to do something different and the message from clubs and players is to do that quickly and remove uncertainty."
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as WRU set date for uncertainty to end and Wales demolished by England
Tonight's rugby news as WRU set date for uncertainty to end and Wales demolished by England These are the rugby stories making evening headlines on Monday, July 14. The WRU made a major announcement on Monday (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) These are your rugby evening headlines on Monday, July 14. WRU set date for uncertainty to end The Welsh Rugby Union has set a deadline of October to announce its new structure for the professional game in Wales. The governing body has announced it is seriously considering cutting the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three - or even two. There will be a consultation process taking place over August and September with the four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - and players being the primary stakeholder groups to contribute, but a comprehensive engagement programme will ensure all representative groups of the game in Wales have the opportunity to contribute. WRU CEO Abi Tierney will seek the WRU board's approval of strategy for consultation and the commencement of the formal consultation period in August, while in September there will be a consultation and engagement process. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Article continues below Then in October the intention is for the WRU board to approve the new strategy while also announcing the new structure of the professional game to all stakeholders. October will be the date where the new structure will be in place and the strong likelihood is it will include a reduction to two professional clubs. In its statement the WRU says the restructure will be in place for the 2027/28 season at the latest but the reality is if they reduce the number of teams it will be for the 2026/27 season. Wales hammered by England Wales were well beaten by England on Monday in their fifth-place semi-final at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana. After a decent start, England turned the screw and eventually ran out 51-13 winners. The second half saw Richard Whiffin's youngsters completely overrun. Two Harry Wilde penalties saw Wales edge ahead early on in the first period and despite capitalising on Ollie Streeter's 20-minute red card, Sion Davies' converted score was as good as it got for Wales and England clicked through the gears. Tries from Campbell Ridl and Archie McParland put England in front before they ran riot in the second half. McParland bagged a brace after Josh Bellamy and Jack Bracken also went over after the break, before Nick Lilley completed the job late on. Read the full report here. Keenan lost a stone as virus hit camp Hugo Keenan says he lost a stone in weight after a sickness bug threatened to end his Lions tour. The full-back was laid up for a fortnight with a virus that also affected other members of the squad earlier on in the tour. The Leinsterman made his first appearance Down Under against the Waratahs in Sydney. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Now getting back to fitness, the Irishman is putting his hand up to start the first Test with doubts over Blair Kinghorn's fitness. Keenan said: 'It wasn't exactly what you planned on when getting on tour. I was sick for about 12 days, it was rough. Getting off the toilet was an issue, and I lost about five or six kilos. There was a little bit of a virus going around camp but for whatever reason it hit me on a different level. 'I was isolating for a good bit, and most lads recovered pretty quick from it, but I've never had something like that. God, it was pretty horrible. It was frustrating. Every day you think you're going to be waking up the next day better. You think it's going to be sort of a 24-hour, 48-hour thing. The tour will hopefully kick on for me here and I can start enjoying it a bit more. 'It was a challenge but that's part of touring life, isn't it? All these little bits, manning up as much as you can. I felt terrible in that Waratahs game. But look, sometimes you just have to front up and do what's needed.' Suaalii up for Tuipulotu rivalry By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent, Brisbane Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii may be reluctant to reveal the details of his Murrayfield flashpoint with Sione Tuipulotu but is keen to revive their rivalry when Australia meet the British and Irish Lions on Saturday. Suaalii snarled 'I'll see you next time' after he was forced off in the Wallabies' defeat by Scotland following a heavyweight collision with Tuipulotu. 'Next time' comes in Brisbane if Tuipulotu is picked at inside centre for the series opener and Suaalii has declined to stoke the fires ahead of their rematch. 'There has been a lot of talk around that moment. At the end of the day, it's a game of footie. Whatever is said on the field, stays on the field,' Suaalii said. 'I'm just focused on that I can do for the team – I'm not going to speak on it to be fair. I'm sure it'll be a great challenge and a great battle. 'I respect my opposition, but at the same time I focus on myself and what I can bring, while focusing on my team-mates.' Cross-code superstar Suaalii last year moved to union in a deal worth £2.61million over three years and the 21-year-old has revealed it was the prospect of facing the Lions that convinced him to switch. 'I've always dreamed I wanted to be a part of something so special that happens every 12 years, so that was probably the biggest thing coming across,' he said. 'Just to be a part of the squad is something so special for myself, my family and everyone that's gotten me to this point. 'I was nine when the Lions came here in 2013 and remember watching it. In my house, all the young kids sit on the floor and I just remember being real close to the TV, watching it. Article continues below 'It's something so special as a kid that sparks you to do something great in your life, so to be a part of this squad, it's amazing.'
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Rugby Union pays tribute to Sir Billy Boston
The 90-year-old rugby legend was awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours, becoming the first player from the rugby league code to receive the honour. Born in Cardiff's Tiger Bay, Sir Billy was also a pioneer in rugby union, becoming the first black player to represent Wales in a representative side. Abi Tierney, chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), said: "The WRU is delighted to join in the celebrations of the honour bestowed on Sir Billy Boston. "His playing achievements in rugby league speak for themselves and he was a hugely promising rugby union player in his youth. "He has been a magnificent ambassador for both his sport, his 'home' city of Cardiff and for his adopted home of Wigan. "He was a trailblazer in his day and remains one of the greatest names in Welsh sporting history." Sir Billy's rugby journey began at Cardiff Schools U15, where he won the Dewar Shield in 1949. The team included future Wales captain Lloyd Williams and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Erskine. At 17, he captained the Boys Clubs of Wales in a 32-0 win over England in February 1952, scoring 17 points, including a hat-trick of tries. He later played for Neath and Pontypridd before beginning his national service. In March 1952, he was capped by the Wales Youth team and became the first black player to represent Wales at any level in rugby union. Despite never playing for Cardiff's senior side, Sir Billy's talent drew attention. After a standout performance for the Cardiff & District XV against Cardiff, Western Mail journalist JBG Thomas wrote: "The District had a splendid centre in W Boston, who should be in the Cardiff Athletic XV." Instead, Sir Billy turned professional at 18, signing a £3,000 contract with Wigan on March 13, 1953. During national service at Catterick, he starred for the Royal Signals XV, scoring six tries in the 1953 Army Cup Final and four in the Army's 1954 win over the Territorial Army. Rugby writer Pat Marshall of the Daily Express wrote at the time: "If he had not signed professional forms he must have been in the current Welsh Rugby Union side. "Quite simply, he is one of the greatest running back I have seen." Sir Billy made his Wigan first team debut on November 21, 1953, against Barrow, scoring the first of his 478 tries in 488 appearances for the club. He went on to score two tries in his second game, three in his third, and four in his fourth. In 1954, he became the youngest player to tour Australia with Great Britain, scoring 36 tries in 18 games, including seven hat-tricks. He also became the first black player to tour Australasia with the team. Sir Billy remains a towering figure in the sport, inducted into the British Rugby League Hall of Fame, the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame, and the Wigan Warriors Hall of Fame. He was made an MBE in 1996 for services to the community in Wigan. Statues in his honour stand at Wembley, Wigan, and Cardiff Bay. He twice topped the rugby league try-scoring charts, scoring 60 tries in the 1956-57 season. Sir Billy won the Challenge Cup three times, and in the 1960 Championship final, scored twice to help Wigan secure their first title in eight years.
