Steve Salvin has left his role as Exeter boss to become full-time forwards coach with Wales.
- Was part of Sean Lynn's management team for the Six Nations on an interim basis.
- Will link up with Wales on Monday, 3 August for pre-season as they prepare for the WXV.
- Previously coached at Rotherham, Leeds Carnegie, and Worcester Warriors; joined Exeter in 2021, reaching PWR finals 2022 and 2023.
- Wales will host South Africa and USA at Cardiff Arms Park in September, then travel to Japan in October.
- Departure leaves Exeter seeking a third head coach in under 18 months; new American owners may increase resources.
Salvin was part of Sean Lynn’s management team for the Six Nations on an interim basis but has now left the Chiefs after the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season.
He will link up with Wales when they return for pre-season on Monday, 3 August as they start preparations for the WXV.
“The chance to work at Test match level during the recent W6N [Women’s Six Nations] campaign was an opportunity that I relished and to get to do this on a full-time basis is exciting,” said Salvin.
“It was my first real time coaching in Wales, and you feel the passion for rugby when you are around the players and when the team plays.”
Salvin, who was previously with Rotherham, Leeds Carnegie and Worcester Warriors, joined Exeter in 2021 and was part of the coaching team that helped them to PWR finals in 2022 and 2023.
Wales, who enjoyed a morale-boosting win against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium last Saturday, will host South Africa and USA at Cardiff Arms Park in September before travelling to Japan in October for two Tests.
Former Gloucester-Hartpury head coach Lynn was appointed Wales boss before the 2025 Six Nations and previously brought in Tyrone Holmes as defence coach.
Former Wales and Ospreys centre Ashley Beck was named interim attack coach for the Six Nations and was part of Lynn’s staff for the Baa-Baas fixture.
Lynn, who has won just one of 15 Tests, has welcomed Salvin’s permanent appointment.
“Steve is a coach I knew well and respected from my time in the PWR, but I was really impressed with his technical expertise and how he relates to players in the women’s game,” Wales’ head coach said.
“He made a real impact in a short time during the recent Six Nations, and I am delighted he will now come on board full-time with Wales.”
Analysis: Another Chiefs boss
Salvin’s departure leaves Exeter looking for a third head coach in less than 18 months.
Salvin came in last April initially on an interim basis after Exeter’s first ever head coach, Susie Appleby, left the club.
Her contract was not renewed after Exeter’s failure to reach the PWR play-offs – a feat Salvin managed this season as he led the Chiefs to third place before a semi-final loss to eventual champions Saracens.
With new American owners taking over the club this week, there will be more resources available to Exeter, and it will be interesting to see who the Chiefs bring in in their first major appointment in the Black Knight Rugby era.
