Lydiate to leave Dragons for full-time Wales role

Dan Lydiate made his Wales debut in 2009 [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Dan Lydiate will leave Dragons to become a permanent member of Steve Tandy's Wales coaching team this summer.

The former flanker was involved in the national set-up in the autumn and SIx Nations and will now take up a full-time role.

Lydiate will be responsible for contact skills and work alongside incoming defence coach Pete Murchie.

Head coach Tandy said: "It's great to have Dan join us now on a full-time basis. He has done a really good job around the contact area but also with the mindset of the group.

"He has a very natural style and a huge amount to offer. I think he and Pete will really complement each other working together with the squad in camp.

"Beyond that, Dan's approach and influence will be key in helping us develop players week-on-week outside of international windows."

Wales face Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa this summer.

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

The chop-tackling blind-side flanker was a player-coach in his second spell with Dragons and remained a member of Filo Tiatia's management team after hanging his boots up last summer.

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

"I've learnt a huge amount and am grateful to have been able to combine my club coaching with an interim role with Wales this season.

"It's an incredible honour to have the opportunity to move into a full-time role with Wales.