Wales head coach Steve Tandy has taken a page out of Rassie Erasmus’ playbook by adding an experienced match official to his coaching staff on a full-time basis.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on Monday announced that Ben Whitehouse has joined the men’s national squad as a specialist coach.
According to the WRU, Whitehouse will work closely with coaches and players around the principles of law, discipline, decision-making and communication.
TONY: Boks have got everything right
The 36-year-old Welshman is set to hang up his whistle after Saturday’s URC clash between the Ospreys and Dragons in Swansea.
Former Test referee Jaco Peyper joined Erasmus’ Springbok management in 2024 as national laws advisor, later described as laws, discipline and technical adviser.
Peyper interprets evolving laws, counsels on refereeing trends and discipline, prepares the Boks for officials’ interpretations and helps the world champions manage set-piece timing, breakdowns, mauls and kicking contests legally.
🚨 Croeso Ben Whitehouse 🏴
Ben Whitehouse has joined the Wales men’s national squad on a full-time basis as a specialist coach. 🤝
▶️ https://t.co/ca4iIggruS
▶️ https://t.co/QbOjzSG3Ai#CymruAmByth https://t.co/TjWE0XZrYv
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) October 19, 2026
Photo: Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images
