Dan Lydiate: Former Lions forward to leave Dragons to become full-time coach with Wales

Lydiate won 72 caps for Wales and played all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia in 2013.

The chop-tackling blind-side flanker was a player-coach in his second spell with the Dragons and was a member of Philo Thyatia’s management team after hanging up his boots last summer.

“I have enjoyed my experience with the Dragons, first as a player-coach and then as a full-time coach,” said Lydiate, who also played for the Ospreys and Racing Metro.

“I have learned a huge amount and am grateful to be able to combine my club coaching with an interim role with Wales this season.

“It’s an incredible honor to be given the opportunity to move into a full-time role with Wales.

“I’m excited not only to continue working with Steve and the group, but also to take on a broader remit to help develop players outside of camp.”

Lydiate joins Danny Wilson, Matt Sherratt and former Glasgow coach Murchie as full-time members of Tandy’s staff.

He will join Wales after finishing the season with the Dragons, where he worked closely with veteran defense coach Dale McLeod.

“Dan works tirelessly to improve every player he works with, whether they are a senior professional or a young academy prospect, as he seeks to pass on his wealth of knowledge and skills,” said Dragons head coach Philo Tiatia.

“He now has a great opportunity to link-up with Wales on a full-time basis and will leave at the end of the season with our full support. Wales are lucky to have him.”

Benetton-bound Dragons coach Rhys Patchell helped Wales kick in the autumn and Six Nations while the Ospreys pair of Duncan Jones and Paul James led the way with the scrum.