Warren Gatland will return as head coach of Wales from the beginning of 2023.
The New Zealander replaces compatriot Wayne Pivac in the role and will be in charge of the team for the 2023 Six Nations series as well as next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
Pivac replaced Gatland in 2019 and spent three years in charge of the side. In that time, Wales have slipped to ninth in the world and a string of defeats in the Autumn Series, including a home loss to Georgia, heaped the pressure on Pivac's shoulders.
“This is one of the toughest calls to make in sport, but the review process has reached its conclusion and we have acted quickly and efficiently in the very best interests of our national team,” said Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) CEO Steve Phillips.
“Ultimately we are in the results business and we have agreed with Wayne that the current trajectory for Wales is not where we want it to be and we thank him sincerely for his time, enthusiasm, diligence and effort, which is unquestioned, as head coach over the last three years.”
“In Warren we are bringing in one of the very best coaches in the international game.”
“We were sorry to see him go when he left and we are delighted that he has agreed to return.
The WRU has already reached a deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union that will see Gatland released from his contract with Super Rugby side The Chiefs. Gatland will return to Wales over Christmas before beginning preparations for the 2023 season.
“I’m very much looking forward to returning to coach Wales,” said Gatland
“This is an opportunity to achieve something with a talented group of players in a country so passionate about rugby. A country which made my family and I so welcome, when we first arrived fifteen years ago, and all the time we were there.
“Our immediate priority is obviously the 2023 Guinness Six Nations and next year’s Rugby World Cup.
“There is little time for sentiment, professional sport is all about preparation, values and results. There will be new challenges as there always is with a change in head coach, but for me the environment, the players and their families will always come first.
“We must prepare to the best of our ability in the time available. We will value and respect each other, we will work hard and, if we get this right together, performances and results will follow.”
The 59-year-old is the most successful Wales manager in the history of the team. In his twelve years at the helm, Gatland led Wales to two World Cup semi-finals, three grand-slam titles and world number one.
Gatland also had a spell as coach of the British and Irish Lions during his time with Wales. He led the Lions to victory in their 2013 series with Australia, before drawing the 2017 series with New Zealand.
The Kiwi is well known to Irish fans having managed Connacht in the 1990's. After his spell out West, he spent three years in charge of Ireland between 1998-2001 and won 18 of his 38 games in charge.
Pivac leaves the role after a topsy turvy three years in charge. Wales finished fifth in the 2020 Six Nations, before improbably winning the title a year later.
That proved to be a false dawn. Wales have endured a wretched 2022 that has seen them win just three games all year.
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