Wales' preparations for the Six Nations are now in full flow with the championship kicking-off in just under a month.
Returning head coach Warren Gatland is back in the country, having spent the festive period at his home in New Zealand, and attended two regional games last weekend.
While the composition of his playing group is of paramount importance what is even more vital is he gets his backroom team in place over the coming days.
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Things are not certain, and deals can fall through but this is the current state of play as WalesOnline understands it.
Attack coach - Alex King
Former Wales scrum-half Rob Howley was Gatland's preferred choice to reassume the position of attack coach which he filled during the New Zealander's first stint in charge.
But Howley, who was sent home from the 2019 Rugby World Cup and banned for 18 months for breaching World Rugby's betting protocols, was blocked from taking the role by the Welsh Rugby Union's non-executive directors.
While a deal has not yet been completed, Wales Online understands former England outside-half Alex King is the front runner to replace Stephen Jones as attack coach.
King is familiar with the Wales set up having filled in as interim attack coach under Howley when Gatland took a sabbatical to coach the British & Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand back in 2017.
The 47-year-old is highly regarded in rugby circles having enjoyed successful coaching stints at Clermont Auvergne, Montpellier, and more recently Gloucester.
Also, King is currently unattached which means a transfer fee won't be needed. Until it's signed on the dotted line then there is always a chance a deal could fall through but King appears to be the front runner.
Defence coach - Paul Gustard
The success of the first Gatland era was largely based on the world class coaching of former defence coach Shaun Edwards.
Defence was an area Wales never truly convinced under Wayne Pivac and Gethin Jenkins so it is paramount Gatland shores up this area of their game.
With Edwards locked into a long-term deal with France Gatland has been forced to look elsewhere for a new defence guru.
It's no secret the New Zealander is a massive fan of Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy who he took with him on the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa.
The former Ospreys head honcho was in the mix for this role but Wales Online understands the Scottish Rugby Union are reluctant to release the Welshman from his contract this close to a World Cup.
While the likes of Sale Sharks defence coach Mike Forshaw has been in contention, former England assistant Paul Gustard is now the strong favourite for this role.
Along with England Gustard has coaching experience at Saracens, Harlequins, Benetton, and Stade Francais, where he currently resides.
Speaking exclusively to Wales Online last week Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin, who played under Gustard at Harlequins, was adamant the 46-year-old is one of the best coaches he has worked under.
"He's so detailed you wouldn't need to ask a question as a player."
One sticking point could be agreeing compensation with his current employers Stade Francais.
Forwards coach - Jonathan Humphreys
This is one position which is set in stone with Gatland having chosen to retain former Ospreys and Scotland coach Humphreys who was part of the Pivac regime.
Wales' forwards will have to improve drastically if they are to enjoy a successful Six Nations campaign.
Lineout and contact skills coach - Jonathan Thomas
Former Wales forward Jonathan Thomas, who played a starring role in two Six Nations Grand Slam winning campaigns in 2005 and 2008, is also in line for a place in Gatland's back-room team.
The 40-year-old is currently a forwards consultant at English Championship outfit Ealing Trailfinders having previously coached at Bristol Bears and Worcester Warriors.
Wales were a man short in the coaching department during their ill-fated autumn campaign with contact area specialist Gareth Williams having left the national set-up to become the Scarlets' new defence coach.
Now it looks like Thomas will come on board to potentially look after the contact area and the lineout.
The rest of the coaching staff
Along with Humphreys Gatland has chosen to retain kicking coach Neil Jenkins who was part of his backroom team the last time he coached Wales.
Head of physical performance Bobby Stridgeon will be staying along with the national medical manager Prav Mathema.
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