Wayne Pivac says he is "extremely sad" to be leaving his post with Wales but accepted responsibility had to stop with him after a poor calendar year.
The Kiwi was dismissed from his post at lunchtime on Monday, with former head coach Warren Gatland installed as his successor in a stunning return to Welsh rugby.
The WRU had conducted a thorough review into Wales' disastrous autumn campaign, with saw them lose heavily to New Zealand and fall to defeats to Georgia and Australia.
READ MORE: Wayne Pivac sacked and Warren Gatland returns - live updates
They have won just three Tests in 12 this year and ultimately, with the World Cup less than 12 months away, a decision was made to part company with Pivac and turn to Gatland.
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In his final words as Wales coach, Pivac said: “I am obviously extremely sad to stand down from the role.
“It was a speedy review process post-Autumn Nations series as time is of the essence with the Six Nations fast approaching.
"Unfortunately, the results or performances this year were not all as we hoped. As a group we all take responsibility for that, but me in particular as head coach.
“We have played some really good rugby at times, but needed to do that more consistently. However, I know that there is a strong foundation for the squad to progress to great things in the future.
“I would like to thank the players, coaches, management and the WRU for their commitment, support and hard work in my time as head coach and to all the people in Wales for making me feel at home here over the past eight years.”
Gatland will now take over the reins before Christmas, with a brief which could take him through to the 2027 World Cup if all things go to plan. The WRU and New Zealand Rugby have reached agreement for Gatland to be released from his existing contract with immediate effect
“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 15 years ago, and all the time we were there.
“Our immediate priority is obviously the 2023 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.”
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