Warren Gatland has completed his sensational return as Wales head coach, taking the reins from Wayne Pivac who has been relieved of his duties.
Gatland oversaw one of the most successful periods in Welsh rugby history in winning four Six Nations titles and reaching two Rugby World Cup semi-finals between 2008 and 2019.
The Welsh Rugby Union will be hoping Gatland can take Wales back to similar heights after a horror year where they won a mere three test matches out of 12 including two embarrassing home defeats to Italy and Georgia, respectively.
WalesOnline takes an in depth look at the story behind Gatland's return to Wales.
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How did this move come about?
It is no secret that Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips is a massive fan of Gatland having worked closely with the New Zealander in his previous role as financial director. It is worth remembering Wayne Pivac was appointed by Phillips' predecessor as CEO Martyn Phillips with there being new faces at the WRU including performance director Nigel Walker and chairman Ieuan Evans since Gatland was last in charge.
Pivac's position has been under scrutiny for quite some time with Wales having endured a torrid Six Nations campaign which culminated in a first ever home defeat to Italy. Phillips decided not to pull the trigger on Pivac immediately, allowing the former Scarlets coach to take Wales to South Africa where he did lead his side to an impressive test victory over the Springboks. But Wales' performances plummeted this autumn with a hiding at the hands of New Zealand followed by a horrific defeat to Georgia which brought back memories of similar losses against the likes of Romania, Western Samoa, and Canada in years gone by.
They did beat Argentina but the Georgia result proved to be the final straw for Phillips who is likely to have opened discussions with Gatland, who was in the UK working as a pundit for Amazon Prime, immediately after. The WRU set up a National Head Coach Review group to discuss the future of the national squad with the likes of highly-rated Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, former Ireland outside-half Ronan O'Gara, Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy, Dean Ryan, and Rob Howley discussed as potential candidates to replace Pivac.
But there was only one man the WRU wanted and that was Gatland. By the time Wales faced Australia in their autumn finale it didn't matter that they threw away a 26-point lead in the final quarter, Pivac's fate was already sealed and it was just a question of agreeing terms with Gatland.
How much will this deal cost and what about the assistants?
It's no secret that Welsh rugby isn't exactly flush with cash at the moment. The four regions are currently locked in talks with the WRU over a new long-term funding deal and there is an embargo on offering players new contracts. But the WRU have pushed the boat out to land Gatland with one high ranking figure in Welsh rugby telling WalesOnline Gatland's new contract will cost the union £580,000 a year.
But the costs don't stop there with the WRU having to pay off the remainder of Wayne Pivac's contract, while also paying a release fee to the Super Rugby outfit the Chiefs where he held the position of director of rugby. What complicates matters is that Gatland may want to bring in his own backroom team, a decision which could be made after he consults with Wales' senior players. Pivac's assistant coaches consist of Stephen Jones (attack), Gethin Jenkins (defence), Jonathan Humphreys (forwards), and Neil Jenkins (kicking). Should Gatland opt to make further changes it would cost the WRU to get rid of the current coaching set-up and also bring in replacements. The same source told Wales Online that the total cost of getting rid of Pivac and appointing Gatland was in the region of £1 million.
Gatland remains a huge admirer of former assistant Howley, while it's known senior figures within the WRU are keen to get him back involved in Welsh rugby. Howley, who is currently Canada's assistant coach, was touted by some as the ideal candidate to take over the Dragons head coach role recently, which was eventually filled by Dai Flanagan
When does Gatland's contract start and what is his remit?
Gatland's contract will begin this month with the New Zealander's first test in charge the Six Nations opener against Ireland in February while he will also take Wales to the Rugby World Cup next autumn. The WRU have also confirmed Gatland's second spell as Wales coach could be extended through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Initially Gatland will undertake a hands on coaching role with Wales but there has been suggestions he could move upstairs to take on the position of director of rugby with a younger Welsh candidate assuming the role of head coach. WalesOnline understands Gatland will be at the forefront of an in depth review of the professional game in Wales, with the four regions struggling on and off the field of play.
What can we expect from Gatland in the short-term?
Under Wayne Pivac Wales failed to nail down one single style of play while he was never consistent with his selections. Sources in the camp suggest Wales were caught between the conservative approach of the Gatland era and the high-paced expansive style of rugby Pivac adopted at the Scarlets. Wales are likely to go back to basics under Gatland with an emphasis on the set-piece, winning the collisions, and a strong kicking game. There is only a matter of weeks before Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign leaving little room for Gatland to make any drastic tactical changes. He will likely simplify Wales' game-plan and be more consistent with his selections which is in contrast to Pivac's erratic selections.
Read more:
Live updates as Wayne Pivac sacked and Warren Gatland agrees sensational Wales return
Wayne Pivac's final words as Wales coach as he accepts responsibility
Warren Gatland's first words as stunning Wales return announced
