WAYNE’S WORLD
What can we expect from Pivac’s Wales...
Facing up to life as national coach Deciding on his backroom team Keeping the nation’s biggest secret
Brilliant coverage of Welsh rugby’s big appointment:
WAYNE Pivac insists he is ready for everything the Wales coaching job will throw at him as he looks ahead to stepping inside the goldfish bowl.
Pivac’s profile and the focus upon him will move up to another level when he leaves his role at the Scarlets to succeed Warren Gatland after next year’s World Cup.
But, far from being daunted by the challenge, the New Zealander is relishing the prospect.
“It is a big job and with that comes huge responsibility,” he said.
“So, to take it on, you’ve got to be confident you can do the job.
“I look forward to everything that gets thrown in front of us. Dealing with the media is just part of that and I quite enjoy it.”
Pivac is also relaxed about the three million amateur Welsh selectors who are going to scrutinise his every move.
“We’ve got 25 per cent of that down in West Wales, so I’ve had some preparation for that!” he said.
“I say that tongue in cheek because I enjoy talking to people about rugby and the supporters I talk to and the people who stop me in the street are generally the ones who come to the games.
“They’re passionate about rugby like I am and whether you’re in the media, a coach or a fan, we’re all supporters of the game.
“It shows the passion for the game here, so I give people the time of day to try and explain what we’re doing every now and again.”
He added: “The biggest thing for me is having lived in the country for four years I don’t see myself as an outside coach coming to do Wales.
“I see myself as a Welsh coach. I am obviously from New Zealand, but I don’t feel like an outsider.
“It’s an advantage to know regional rugby the way I do. I felt more comfortable putting my name forward.”
Pivac will be the 23rd Wales coach, with plenty of different characters having proceeded him, so how does he sum what he will bring to the role?
“One thing I like to do in any job is create an environment where the players enjoy coming to work,” he said. “If we can do that then we’ll be OK and have success.
“Warren has had success — Grand Slams — and it’s something I want to achieve. There’s no reason why you can’t have success.
“People at the Scarlets probably felt we were a wee way off a few years ago, but a bit of hard work and you can achieve great things.
“The talent that is in Wales gives us every opportunity to do well. For me personally I want to win, that’s what we’re in the game for.”
Pivac revealed he found out he had the job a week ago when he received a call from WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips while he was back home in New Zealand. It was then all about keeping the news secret ahead of the official announcement.