Former Wales internationals and Dragons RFC coaching duo Dan Lydiate and Rhys Patchell will return to Steve Tandy’s back-room team on an interim basis for the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
The Dragons duo - along with Dunan Jones who also returns - were part of the Wales men’s coaching set up for the four Quilter Nations Series matches at Principality Stadium last November.
Lydiate, who won 72 Wales caps, two Grand Slams and played in all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions on the 2013 tour to Australia will continue to work closely with head coach Steve Tandy on defence during the campaign.
Patchell, who made 22 appearances for Wales between 2013 and 2023 including at RWC 2019, resumes responsibility for kicking as skills coach for Wales this Six Nations.
Fifty-seven-cap and double Grand Slam winner Jones will again operate as scrum coach when he re-joins the Wales set up this Championship.
Speaking about the update Tandy said: “It’s great that Duncan, Dan and Rhys will be joining up with us again for the Guinness Six Nations and my thanks to the Ospreys and Dragons for allowing them this opportunity a second time.
“We’re all excited to get into camp next week and build on the foundations we established in the autumn.”
WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin added: “Having Duncan, Dan and Rhys return to work alongside Steve, Danny and Matt allows us to maintain a good balance in the coaching team. That consistency and cohesion will help to continue to grow and develop the playing group.”
WALES 2026 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS FIXTURES
- Saturday 7 February: England v Wales, Allianz Stadium Twickenham – KO 16:40. Live on ITV and S4C.
- Sunday 15 February: Wales v France, Principality Stadium Cardiff – KO 15:10. Live on BBC and S4C.
- Saturday 21 February: Wales v Scotland, Principality Stadium Cardiff – KO 16:40. Live on BBC and S4C.
- Friday 6 March: Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium Dublin – KO 20:10. Live on ITV and S4C.
- Saturday 14 March: Wales v Italy, Principality Stadium Cardiff – KO 16:40. Live on BBC and S4C.
