Sam’s the man for Pivac’s new team
FORMER Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton is to be part of the new Welsh coaching team under Wayne Pivac, writes Simon Thomas.
The 74-cap flanker, who announced his playing retirement in the summer of 2018, will come on board as technical advisor at the breakdown and in defence.
He has been announced as part of Pivac’s set-up along with new defence coach Byron Hayward, whose appointment has been anticipated for many months.
They will join Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys and Neil Jenkins in the coaching team with all five of Pivac’s assistants ex-Wales internationals, three of them former Wales captains.
Warburton, 31, will work with the squad on a campaign-tocampaign basis, starting with the Barbarians fixture in a fortnight.
He said: “I’m delighted to be part of the senior national coaching team.
“It is a genuine privilege to be considered for such a role and I can’t wait to do my upmost to contribute to help improve the team and players.
“With such a great group of players and management it is an amazing opportunity which I am very proud to be given.”
Pivac said: “I’m delighted to bring both Byron and Sam into the set-up and add to what is already a vastly experienced coaching team.
“Both individuals are highly respected, knowledgeable and experienced in their disciplines and will add a great deal to the environment.
“Byron has a great coaching CV with experience in England, the club game in Wales, the agegrade system and his five successful years with the Scarlets. Sam is one of the most experienced leaders in rugby with excellent knowledge and having only recently retired he has a full grasp on the international game.” ■ More rugby: Pages 40-44