New Coach Joins Wales Rugby Team for Six Nations

A recent mid-tournament change in the Wales rugby coaching team has brought Paul James in as the new scrum coach. This follows an unforeseen injury to Duncan Jones, the previous scrum coach, during a recent training session. The adjustment aims to address the team's needs for the remainder of the Six Nations competition.

Coaching Team Reconfiguration Amidst Six Nations

Wales' preparation for the Six Nations Championship has seen a notable shift in its coaching lineup. The team is now working with Paul James in the role of scrum coach. This appointment occurred after Duncan Jones sustained a significant injury during a practice session, impacting his ability to continue with the team for the competition.

• Duncan Jones, the former scrum coach, suffered a "freak injury" involving both his knees in a collision during a live training session.

• He has undergone surgery for his injuries.

• Paul James, a former Ospreys and Wales international with 66 caps, has been brought in to fill the scrum coaching vacancy.

• James's appointment is for the duration of the Six Nations tournament.

• This change comes after Wales' opening defeat to England.

Adam Jones's Role as Scrum Consultant

Separately, Adam Jones, another former Wales prop, has also joined the coaching staff as a scrum consultant. This addition, announced earlier in January 2025, was intended to bolster the coaching team for the Six Nations, regardless of prior coaching changes.

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• Adam Jones joins on secondment from his club, Harlequins.

• He brings considerable experience, having earned 95 caps for Wales and been part of three Grand Slam-winning teams.

• His role is described as a scrum consultant, working with the forwards coach, Jonathan Humphreys.

• The move for Adam Jones was part of a broader plan to improve on-field performance following a difficult preceding year.

• Andy McCann, a specialist in psychology and human performance, also rejoined the staff around the same time.

Coaching Staff Dynamics and Departures

The arrival of Paul James and Adam Jones has been noted within the context of other staff movements. Reports indicate that another coaching staff member, King, was informed at the beginning of the week preceding the first match that he would not be part of the coaching team for the Six Nations and has not been present in camp. No explicit reason for King's departure has been publicly stated.

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• The timing of these announcements, with the opening match against France approaching, highlights the need for quick team adjustments.

• The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) CEO, Abi Tierney, was reportedly involved in discussions regarding staff changes.

Paul James's Transition to International Coaching

For Paul James, this role marks a step into international coaching. He has prior experience working with the Ospreys and has played alongside many of the current Welsh squad members.

• James expressed his eagerness to contribute, stating he is "looking forward to doing all I can to help the boys."

• He acknowledges the learning curve involved in transitioning from club to international rugby, noting, "it’s going to be a challenge coming from the Gallagher Premiership and this is my first taste of coaching international rugby, so there will be a learning process for me as well."

• His previous playing career includes winning a Grand Slam and the Six Nations Championship.

Expert and Player Perspectives

While direct quotes from current players regarding the coaching changes are limited in the provided data, the former player Jamie Roberts has commented on the addition of Andy McCann, praising his experience and wisdom for the squad. Coaches like Steve Tandy, the head coach, have expressed sympathy for Duncan Jones's injury.

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• Steve Tandy described Duncan Jones's injury as an "absolute freak injury."

• Paul James noted the quick nature of his appointment, expressing anticipation about working with figures like Warren Gatland ("Gats") and Jonathan Humphreys ("Humphs"), whom he considers significant influences from his playing days.

Summary of Coaching Staff Changes

The Wales rugby coaching setup for the Six Nations has undergone significant adjustments. The primary change involves Paul James stepping in as scrum coach due to Duncan Jones's injury. Concurrently, Adam Jones has been appointed as a scrum consultant, adding further expertise in this critical area. These moves appear to be strategic efforts to reinforce the coaching team and address specific needs for the ongoing championship, alongside other staff shifts.

Key Personnel Involved:

Conclusion and Implications

The recent adjustments to the Wales coaching team, specifically the appointment of Paul James as scrum coach following Duncan Jones's injury, and the continued presence of Adam Jones as a scrum consultant, underscore the dynamic nature of team preparations during major competitions. These changes highlight an effort to maintain the necessary expertise in crucial areas, such as the scrum, despite unforeseen circumstances. The integration of experienced former players like Paul James and Adam Jones is intended to provide immediate support and guidance. The concurrent departure of another staff member, King, suggests broader team restructuring is also in progress. The team will now proceed with its Six Nations campaign under this revised coaching structure, with the immediate focus likely on stabilizing performance and addressing the challenges presented by the competition.

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Sources Used:

• Ospreys Rugby: Details Paul James's appointment, mentioning his playing history and the circumstances of Duncan Jones's injury.

• https://www.ospreysrugby.com/news/paul-james-joins-welsh-coaching-team

• BBC Sport: Reports on Paul James replacing Duncan Jones as scrum coach due to injury, providing details about both individuals and the timing.

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/clyzv4vnjlwo

• The Independent: Covers the addition of Adam Jones as a scrum consultant, outlining his background and the context of bolstering the coaching team for the Six Nations.

• https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/wales-adam-jones-warren-gatland-six-nations-b2684457.html

• WalesOnline: Discusses the "one in, one out" aspect of the coaching changes, noting King's departure without a stated reason and the timing of announcements.

• https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/one-in-one-out-wales-30866210

• Planet Rugby: Highlights Adam Jones joining Gatland's coaching team for the Six Nations, framing it as a response to an "SOS" call.

• https://www.planetrugby.com/news/bomb-answers-warren-gatlands-sos-as-legendary-prop-joins-wales-coaching-team-for-the-six-nations

• BBC Sport: Reports on Duncan Jones's "freak" knee injury that necessitates the search for a new scrum expert for the Six Nations.

• https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cly3k3npplmo

• RugbyPass: Details the two additions to the coaching team for the Six Nations, Adam Jones and Andy McCann, and mentions Adam Jones's return to Harlequins post-tournament.

• https://www.rugbypass.com/news/wales-make-two-additions-to-their-six-nations-coaching-team/

• Ruck: Features Adam Jones discussing the importance of the scrum and his perspective on the upcoming matches.

• https://www.ruck.co.uk/theyve-got-a-saying-in-france-no-scrum-no-win-former-wales-international-now-scrum-consultant-adam-jones-looks-ahead-to-the-curtain-raiser-in-paris-5-talking-points/

• Welsh Rugby Union (WRU): Official announcement of Adam Jones and Andy McCann joining the Six Nations coaching team.

• https://www.wru.wales/2025/01/jones-mccann-join-wales-for-guinness-six-nations/

• Wales Rugby (Substack): Continues the discussion on the "one in, one out" theme, referencing King's departure and the communication around it.

• https://walesrugby.substack.com/p/one-in-one-out

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