The Ospreys confirmed today that Duncan Jones would be joining Steve Tandy’s back-room staff on an interim basis for the 2025 Quilter Nations Series.
An Ospreys original, Duncan made 223 appearances for the Ospreys and 57 appearances for Wales as a player, before appointed as scrum coach for his hometown club in 2018.
He was then promoted to first team coach in 2020, whilst still retaining a focus on the scrum, and has since played a key role in the development of countless international front rowers, including current Ospreys, Dewi Lake and Gareth Thomas.
The Ospreys have long been a key contributor to the national squad on the player front and the secondment of Duncan to the coaching setup further strengthens our proud tradition of supporting Welsh rugby at the highest level.
Speaking on the interim role, Duncan said: “I’m extremely grateful to the Ospreys for their support and for allowing me to take up this opportunity with Wales for the Quilter Nations Series.
“I was lucky enough to represent my country as a player and to now have the opportunity to do so as a coach, fills me with a lot of pride. I’m excited to get started but for now, we’re all fully focused on the Glasgow game at the weekend.”
Head Coach for the Ospreys, Mark Jones said: “We’re all delighted for Dunc and know he will be a very important member of Wales’ backroom staff, as he has been for the Ospreys. This is a great opportunity for him, and I know this experience will be hugely beneficial in his development as a coach.”
Duncan will be joined by Dragons RFC coaches, Dan Lydiate and Rhys Patchell, who will also be joining on an interim basis for the 2025 Quilter Nations Series.
Speaking about the appointments Tandy said: “I’m delighted that Duncan, Dan and Rhys will be joining us for the Quilter Nations Series and I’d like to thank the Ospreys and Dragons for allowing them to take up this opportunity with Wales.
“I’m excited to have the full coaching team confirmed for our four games this autumn and I know we’re all relishing the chance to get stuck into our campaign.”
WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin added: “Bringing Duncan, Dan and Rhys in for the autumn to work alongside Steve, Danny and Matt gives us a good balance in the coaching team.
“We said at the outset that we might have some interim appointments and this is the right option for us at this point.”
