The Post

Pivac named Wales coach

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New Wales coach Wayne Pivac has vowed to continue Warren Gatland’s ‘‘legacy’’ as he prepares to replace his New Zealand compatriot after the next Rugby World Cup.

The Welsh Rugby Union made the announceme­nt yesterday, saying the decision to hire the 55-year-old Pivac – coach of Welsh province Scarlets – was taken after a two-year consultati­on process.

Gatland will have been in charge for 12 years when he steps down in December 2019, making him the longest-serving Wales coach ever.

Pivac told a news conference in Cardiff that he had not yet a chance to talk to Gatland.

"I’ve been in New Zealand and I just flew in yesterday. I will be talking to Warren obviously in the coming days and weeks and making sure we continue to work together for the benefit of Welsh rugby,’’ Pivac said.

‘‘I know I’m following in the footsteps of someone who is held in extremely high regard, not only by the Welsh public, but also by the players who have played under him.

‘‘I will be doing my best to protect the legacy which Warren Gatland, with the help of those players, will inevitably leave behind.’’

Gatland said the early announceme­nt would remove the distractio­n of his tenure heading into the World Cup.

‘‘The World Cup is a key focus and Wayne’s early appointmen­t will help us keep that focus,’’ Gatland said.

‘‘Additional­ly, I’m determined to ensure that Wayne is given the best possible opportunit­y to succeed in this job when he starts after the World Cup and I will do everything I can to help him.’’

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