Stephen Jones and Gethin Jenkins have left their posts as Wales' attack and defence coaches following the return of Warren Gatland as head coach, it has been revealed.
However, forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys will stay on in his post - despite reports Gatland had been keen to prise former forwards guru Robin McBryde away from Leinster. Skills coach Neil Jenkins, having been a mainstay of Gatland's previous reign, will also form a part of his coaching team for 2023.
Jones and Jenkins were members of Wayne Pivac's coaching ticket prior to the former Scarlets coach departing the job after a dismal autumn campaign. Gatland returned to the job ahead of next year's Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.
Jones had previously worked under Pivac at the Scarlets, while Jenkins joined Pivac's Wales backroom staff following the departure of Sam Warburton, taking over Byron Hayward's role not long after.
Departures to the coaching staff under Gatland had been expected, with the likes of Rob Howley and ex-Harlequins coach Paul Gustard having been linked with roles.
No new additions have been confirmed yet, with appointments expected to be made in January. Alongside the retention of Humphreys and Jenkins, Martyn Williams stays on as team manager while much of the analysis, strength and conditioning and medical staff that Gatland left behind in 2019 still remains.
In a statement from the Welsh Rugby Union, chief executive Steve Phillips said: “We thank Stephen and Gethin sincerely for their dedicated services to Welsh rugby as senior men’s team coaches.
“We are delighted that Jonathan and Neil will stay on and be a part of Warren’s new team. The very nature of a change-over at the helm of a national team brings with it the possibility for change and evolution elsewhere in the back room staff.
“I know Stephen and Gethin understand this part of the process and they should be commended for the good grace with which they have accepted the decision. We have appointed a very experienced and senior head coach, one of the best coaches in the world game and Wales’ most successful coach, and it is important to ensure that he is afforded the very best opportunity to succeed.
“That means giving our maximum support as Warren seeks to build the right team around him - with the right blend of skills and character to suit his own style - to achieve success for Wales in the short amount of time available and we look forward to making further positive appointments in the New Year.”
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