Holmes appointed Wales women's defence coach

Tyrone Holmes has been appointed Wales' defence coach as they prepare for the 2026 Women's Six Nations.

Holmes, 39, brings experience of women's Test level rugby having held the same role with Scotland for the past three years.

The South Africa-born former flanker was capped by Scotland and played for Glasgow Warriors when they won the Pro12 title in 2015.

He also had stints with Western Province, Stormers, Toulon, Northampton, Petrarca and Newcastle before retiring in 2016 and starting his coaching career with Stade Nicois in France.

"The opportunity to coach Wales at international level with a Women's Six Nations on the horizon is one I am excited by," said Holmes.

Holmes will link up with Wales head coach Sean Lynn, who endured a disappointing first 12 months in charge which featured winless Six Nations and World Cup campaigns.

But Holmes says Lynn's reputation in the women's game, having won three successive Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) titles, speaks for itself.

"Seeing his desire to bring a real identity and to build a winning mentality to the squad was infectious," said Holmes.

"Everybody is aware of his reputation in the women's game with Gloucester-Hartpury and there is no doubt of his determination and ambition to build the same with Wales."

Lynn said Holmes' knowledge of the women's game was "key" to his appointment.

"We identified the need for a defence coach in our robust review of the recent World Cup and having coached against him in the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, we know he will bring a real attitude and mindset to the role," Lynn added.

"He has lived it and breathes the values of hard work and toughness. Those are the values we will live by as players, coaches and staff."

Wales open their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 11 April.

They will again meet their former head coach Ioan Cunningham, who left Fiji after the World Cup to be Scotland's assistant coach.