Wayne Pivac

Gatland back in Wales to replace Pivac

 

Gatland will take charge for next year's Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, and potentially the 2027 tournament.

The decision follows a Welsh Rugby Union review into a dismal autumn campaign, which included a first loss to Georgia.

Former Scarlets coach Pivac took over from fellow New Zealander Gatland after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

But during the 60-year-old's final year in charge, Wales only won three out of 12 games.

Wales name Lions fly-half as captain for 2022 Six Nations

As permanent skipper Alun Wyn Jones is injured, Biggar will lead his country for the first time, with lock Adam Beard vice-captain.

Centre Jonathan Davies and flanker Ellis Jenkins, who have captained Wales in the past, are also in the squad.

Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake and flanker Jac Morgan and Cardiff forward James Ratti are the uncapped players.

As well as usual skipper Jones, Wales' lengthy injury list includes fellow Lions Ken Owens, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, George North and Leigh Halfpenny.

Wayne Pivac urges Wales to rise to Grand Slam challenge in Paris

Wales had a bonus point wrapped up by halftime and went on to win 48-7 in Rome on Saturday (Sunday) and are now the only unbeaten team in the competition.

Pivac's group have already matched Wales' Six Nations try-scoring record of 17 touchdowns, with one game still to go.

The former Auckland and North Harbour coach was unaware of that statistic, but has his mind clearly focused on the game against France, who lost 23-20 on Saturday (Sunday NZ time) for their first defeat in the series.

Pivac and Wales to face Gatland

Pivac will replace Gatland in charge of the Six Nations Grand Slam champions following this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

But Gatland, who has led Wales for 12 years, will soon return to Cardiff as the Baa-Baas coach, adding an intriguing narrative to Pivac's debut match.

Pivac said: "The Barbarians are a special side and it will be a great way to start my Wales career facing the Baa-Baas and, of course, Warren.

Pivac rules out Northampton role

Premiership strugglers Northampton sacked director of rugby Jim Mallinder last week and Pivac has been linked with the vacancy at Franklin's Gardens.

Pivac led Scarlets to the Pro12 title last season and, having only signed a new two-year contract in October, the New Zealander said he has no interest in a move to Northampton.

"I have just re-signed with the Scarlets so I am not going anywhere and I haven't spoken with Northampton, I have no intentions of speaking to Northampton," the former police officer said.