Steve Salvin, formerly a key figure in Exeter's coaching team, has now fully committed to becoming the dedicated forwards coach for Wales Rugby. His transition follows an interim period during the recent Six Nations tournament, and he officially departs from the Chiefs after the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season concludes.
Steve Salvin Takes Permanent Forwards Coach Role with Wales Rugby
In a significant development for Welsh rugby, Steve Salvin has officially confirmed his permanent appointment as the forwards coach for the Wales national team. Salvin, who previously served as part of Exeter's coaching setup since 2021, had a temporary stint with Wales during the recent Six Nations campaign. His full-time engagement is set to begin on Monday, August 3, when the team regroups for pre-season preparations ahead of the WXV tournament.
Salvin expressed his excitement about the new role, stating that the chance to operate at the Test match level was an opportunity he deeply appreciated, and making it a full-time commitment was particularly thrilling. He noted that his initial experience coaching in Wales allowed him to truly grasp the fervent passion for rugby among both the players and the fan base.
Before his tenure at Exeter, Salvin garnered coaching experience with various clubs, including Rotherham, Leeds Carnegie, and Worcester Warriors. During his time with Exeter, he played a crucial role in guiding the team to the PWR finals in both 2022 and 2023.
Under the leadership of head coach Sean Lynn, who was appointed before the 2025 Six Nations, Wales has been actively strengthening its coaching staff. Lynn previously brought in Tyrone Holmes as defense coach, and former Wales and Ospreys center Ashley Beck served as interim attack coach during the Six Nations and for the Barbarians fixture.
Lynn, who has acknowledged Salvin's contributions during their time in the PWR, praised his technical expertise and ability to connect with players in the women's game. He emphasized the significant impact Salvin made in a short period during the recent Six Nations and expressed his delight at the permanent addition to the Welsh coaching contingent.
Meanwhile, Salvin's departure leaves Exeter searching for a new head coach, their third in less than 18 months. Salvin initially took over on an interim basis in April following the departure of Susie Appleby, Exeter's first head coach. Despite leading the Chiefs to a third-place finish and a semi-final appearance in the PWR this season, ultimately losing to Saracens, his contract was not renewed. With new American owners recently taking over the club, it will be interesting to observe their first major coaching appointment in the Black Knight Rugby era.
This move highlights the increasing professionalization and strategic investment in women's rugby. Salvin's decision to join Wales full-time underscores the growing appeal and ambition within national team setups, offering coaches a pathway to operate at the highest echelons of the sport. His expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable as Wales aims to elevate its performance on the international stage, especially with the WXV competition on the horizon. For Exeter, the challenge of finding a suitable replacement will be a critical test for their new ownership, signaling a new chapter for the club's development.
