Wales rugby appoints Alex Davies as kicking coach
The 40-year-old former half-back leaves Leicester to join Steve Tandy’s management team, with a focus on Test preparation and age-grade development.
Wales has appointed Alex Davies as its new kicking coach, a move that signals a shift towards a more structured approach to specialist skills within the national setup. The 40-year-old former half-back will leave his current position at Leicester to join head coach Steve Tandy’s management team, officially commencing his role on 1 September.
Davies’ appointment is part of a broader strategy to professionalise the coaching structure following Tandy’s arrival. The new coach will work with the men’s national team during Test windows, provide individual coaching throughout the season, and assist in the development of age-grade players. This role is designed to offer continuity and expertise in a specific technical area that has previously been handled on a part-time or interim basis.
The appointment follows a period of transition for the coaching staff. Tandy initially relied on Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny for support in his first campaign. Patchell, who assisted on a part-time basis during the 2025 autumn internationals and Six Nations, has since moved from Dragons to Benetton. Halfpenny, who covered the kicking coach role during the summer Nations Championship, has joined Cardiff.
Davies brings a varied background to the position, having previously worked with the Netherlands, Rosslyn Park, and the England women’s team. His experience across different levels of the game is expected to complement the existing staff, which includes defence coach Peter Murchie, contact specialist Dan Lydiate, and scrum coach Paul James.
Tandy indicated that the recruitment drive is not yet complete, with the head coach also looking to appoint an attacking skills assistant. The new coaching team will face a significant test in November, when Wales are scheduled to play four matches. These include home fixtures against Japan, New Zealand, and Australia in Cardiff, followed by a Nations Championship placings game at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
The appointment reflects the governing body’s intent to stabilise the coaching environment ahead of the upcoming international cycle. By securing a dedicated kicking coach, the management team aims to refine the team’s identity and performance standards as they head into the next phase of the Nations Championship.
