Can’t wait for Fiji: Tandy

A confident Wales head coach has indicated that they are ready for the Nations Championship opener against the Flying Fijians at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday (Fiji time).

After confirming his 33-member squad on Tuesday with the focus on next year’s Rugby World Cup, Steve Tandy said they can’t wait to take on the Flying Fijians.

“We have selected a squad of 33 players for the Nations Championship to mirror what will be required for the World Cup in 2027,” he said.

“We are building a lot of competition among our group of players, which is what we want to have, and there were some tough calls to make. We have an exciting opportunity over the next three weeks in a brand-new competition and can’t wait to get our campaign started against Fiji.

“As I’ve mentioned before, the priorities for us this summer are to keep growing and developing the players. We want to continue building and to be more consistent in our performances across all three games.”

Tandy has boosted his coaching team by including former Wales and British & Irish Lions star full-back Leigh Halfpenny for the clash against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.

Halfpenny won 101 caps for Wales, three Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams and sits third on the all-time men’s points list with 801.

He comes in as interim kicking coach, having been part of the coaching team under then interim head coach Matt Sherratt for the two Tests series in Japan last year. He also coached the Wales Under-20s back in 2022. Halfpenny will again work alongside Sherratt, who is now Wales attack coach, as part of Tandy’s team.

“I’m pleased that Leigh is able to join the coaching team for our three Nations Championship games,” Tandy said.

“His playing record speaks for itself, and it’s great to get him on board with us as he continues to develop his coaching career. Our young backs will benefit a huge amount from the knowledge and experience that Leigh has to share.”

Halfpenny added: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to work with the men’s national squad and an exciting opportunity to be part of Steve’s coaching team in the first-ever Nations Championship.”

Meanwhile, Flying Fijians interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula said they have no other choice but to perform well.

“We are into the Nations Cup and playing against Tier One opposition. That’s something big for Fiji. The boys are really looking forward to the game against Wales,” he added.