Murchie to join Wales as defence coach

Pete Murchie is to join Steve Tandy’s coaching team on a full-time basis as defence coach.

Currently defence coach with Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Murchie will take up the role with Wales ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship this summer after the conclusion of the Japanese Rugby League One season.

Murchie, a former Glasgow Warriors player and Scotland international, began his coaching career in 2017 as a national academy coach with the Scottish Rugby Union and was part of the Scotland U20 coaching team.

Prior to joining the Steelers in July 2025, Murchie coached at Glasgow Warriors for five years firstly as skills coach and then defence coach, the role he held when the Warriors won the United Rugby Championship title in 2024.

He was appointed defence coach of the Scotland national team for the summer tour of Georgia and Romania in 2021 and coached Scotland A in their match against the Chile national team in November 2024.

Tandy said: “It’s great to welcome Pete to the coaching team. He is a really talented coach with a great style and mindset. He’ll be a real asset for us as a group and I can’t wait for him to join us this summer to help shape the squad’s development as we head into the Nations Championship.”

Speaking about his appointment Murchie added: “I have enjoyed the experience of coaching and living in Kobe. Working with world class players and coaching group has been excellent.

“The opportunity to move into international rugby with Wales, where there are so many exciting competitions on the horizon was something that me and my family are hugely excited about.

“Steve was a huge driver for me, I know he is a world class coach and we have worked together closely before. I am looking forward to joining up with the squad in the summer and getting to work.”

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said: “We’re delighted to add Pete to the full-time Wales coaching team alongside Steve, Matt and Danny. As someone who knows and understands Steve’s defensive philosophy, I know he will quickly add value as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2027.”