Wayne Pivac to replace Warren Gatland as Wales head coach next year

Wayne Pivac will take over as Wales head coach when Warren Gatland steps down after next year’s World Cup.

The Welsh Rugby Union has opted for Pivac over fellow Kiwis Dave Rennie and Scott Robinson, who were also on the shortlist for the post that will be vacated by Gatland upon completion of Japan 2019.

The former New Zealand Police constable has been head coach of the Scarlets since 2014, masterminding last year’s Guinness PRO12 title and passage into the semi-finals of the Champions Cup in the same season.

“We have secured the best man for the job and we have done so rigorously and decisively to the collective benefit of all involved in Welsh rugby,” WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said.

“Both Wayne and Warren and their coaching teams, our international players, supporters and everyone at the Scarlets now have clarity and there is no underestimating the positive benefit to be gained from having the time to plan properly for the future.

“We have avoided the feeding frenzy that can come at the end of a World Cup year and we have been meticulous in ensuring we have someone of the talent, experience, charisma and rugby acumen to do the very best possible job for Welsh rugby.

“The handover process is something we will plan carefully and commence in detail next summer.”

Pivac will continue as Scarlets boss until the end of the 2018/19 season and will not officially come under WRU employment until July 2019, with Gatland leading Wales into the World Cup.

Gatland’s 12-year reign will make him the nation’s longest-serving and most successful head coach.

“I will be doing my best to protect the legacy which Warren Gatland, with the help of those players, will inevitably leave behind.

“It will be an almighty challenge, but one that I’m more than ready for and one that I will relish.”