Wilson leaves Harlequins to join Wales coaching team

Danny Wilson had been with Harlequins since 2023

Danny Wilson is joining Wales as part of Steve Tandy's management team.

The 49-year-old worked with the national team as forward coach during their summer tour to Japan but has now left Harlequins for a permanent role.

The former Wales Under-20s head coach, who was Scotland assistant between 2018 and 2020, is Tandy's first appointment since taking charge and will take responsibility for the line-out and contact areas.

Wilson said: "This has been a really tough decision for me to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Quins, but the chance to join Wales and return to international rugby was simply too good an opportunity to turn down."

Wilson has previously coached in Welsh rugby with Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff, and will now try to help turn around the country's Test fortunes having helped halt a record 18-Test losing run in Japan.

"Having the opportunity to experience international rugby again for the interim period with Wales this summer in Japan was a huge honour," he said.

"I'm delighted to be able to return on a permanent basis and to be able to work again with Steve and this exciting group of young players."

Tandy started his role as Wales head coach on 1 September and worked closely with Wilson during their shared time in Scottish rugby.

"I'm delighted. I've worked with Danny when we were both with Scotland and during his time at Glasgow Warriors, and he is an outstanding coach."

Change at the top for Harlequins

Wilson joined Harlequins in the summer of 2023 and led the club to the Champions Cup semi-finals in his first campaign.

He said he was "hugely proud" of blooding young talent and will lead Quins for the last time in Friday's opening game of the season at Newcastle Red Bulls in the Prem Rugby Cup.

Harlequins have confirmed the coaching group of Nick Evans, Jason Gilmore, Gerard Mullen and, another potential Wales target, Adam Jones will take charge for the "short-term" alongside general manager Andy Sanger.

Chief executive Laurie Dalrymple said: "Whilst we recognise we are close to start of the new Prem campaign, we are confident in our coaching team's ability to step up and deliver, and we are excited to kick off our season.

"Things with the WRU have moved quickly but we have been keen to support this move for Danny, which allows him to return to coaching at international level and also supports him from a personal perspective."

Welsh rugby in chaos

Wilson's appointment comes at a time of major uncertainty over the future of the elite game in Wales with the WRU proposing to cut the current four professional men's clubs – Cardiff, Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys – to just two.

A final decision is due at the end of October, before Tandy and Wilson link up with their players for the autumn Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa in November.

Earlier this summer WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin ruled out any coaches combining club and country duties by insists Wales was not a part-time job and hailed Wilson as a "perfect fit".

He added: "We continue to work systematically to recruit Steve's assistants to form the platform for the long-term success of the men's national squad."