Wales appoint Leicester's Davies as kicking coach

Alex Davies is leaving Leicester to join Wales' management team as kicking coach.

Steve Tandy has appointed the 40-year-old after being helped by Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny in his first campaign as head coach.

Davies, a former half-back, spent last season full-time with Leicester after previously working with the Netherlands, Rosslyn Park and England women.

He will work with the Wales men's national team during Test windows and coach individuals throughout the season, while also helping age-grade players.

"There's an exciting journey ahead for Welsh rugby and I can't wait to get started and be a part of it," said Davies, who will officially start his role on 1 September.

Tandy appointed Danny Wilson and Matt Sherratt soon after taking the reins and has since added defence coach Peter Murchie, contact specialist Dan Lydiate and scrum coach Paul James to his team.

"It's great to have Alex join the coaching team. He's a very talented coach who will be another asset for us as a group," said Tandy, who is also looking to appoint an attacking skills assistant.

"I can't wait for him to join us and to help continue shaping our identity as we head into the next phase of the Nations Championship with our three home games this November."

Patchell was brought in for the 2025 autumn internationals and Six Nations on a part-time basis but has since left Dragons for Benetton.

Halfpenny carried out the role as kicking coach in this summer's Nations Championship and has now joined Cardiff.

Wales play four Tests in November with fixtures against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff before a Nations Championship placings game at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.