Warburton returns to Wales set-up as technical adviser

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has appointed former captain Sam Warburton as the team’s technical adviser for defence and breakdown, the Welsh Rugby Union announced yesterday.

Warburton, 31, who retired in July last year having failed to return to full fitness following neck and knee surgery, will be joined by former Wales fly-half Byron Hayward, who was named defence coach.

“I’m delighted to bring both Byron and Sam into the set-up and add to what is already a vastly experienced coaching team,” Pivac, whose staff include former internationals Stephen Jones, Jonathan Humphreys and Neil Jenkins, said in a statement.

“Both individuals [Warburton and Hayward] are highly respected, knowledgeable and experienced in their disciplines and will add a great deal to the environment.”

Warburton, who earned 74 Wales

Key role: Sam Warburton has joined Wayne Pivac’s backroom team caps, said it was a “genuine privilege” to be considered for the role. “I can’t wait to do my upmost to contribute to help improve the team and players.”

Hayward previously had a stint as Wales Under-20 head coach and was also their national academy skills coach before joining the Scarlets as their defence coach in 2014.

“Wayne has put together a coaching team with a wealth of experience and knowledge and it will bring variety on and off the field and I’m excited about what lies ahead,” he said.

Wales finished fourth at the World Cup in Japan this month.