WRU review could spell the end for Wales boss

THE clock appears to be ticking on Wayne Pivac’s time as Wales head coach after the Welsh Rugby Union pledged to act on the outcome of the review into the national team’s miserable autumn series.

Wales lost three out of their four matches, with the setbacks including defeat to Georgia.

The union regularly conduct reviews after tournaments and this one was pre-planned, but it could spell trouble for Pivac given the way the matches and performances panned out.

Wales crashed 55-23 to New Zealand, lost 13-12 to Georgia and fell 39-34 to Australia.

WRU chief executive Steve Phillips stressed that a proper process must now be followed. But there were also words that will concern Pivac in a statement the WRU said “left no room for interpretation” on what bosses thought of the defeats to Georgia and Australia.

“With no disrespect to Georgia, who are a growing force in the world game, this result was extremely disappointing,” said Phillips.

“We were anticipating a significant improvement against Australia and there was an obvious positive reaction but, again, we are of course disappointed not to have won that game.

“We will now review the autumn nation series campaign in its entirety and in detail, as we always do.

“Upon conclusion of this review we will, of course, act on the outcome as we continue to work towards, the now shortterm goal of, success at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the more immediate 2023 Six Nations competition, but also sustainable longer-term success.”

Meantime, it emerged on Sunday that Pivac hadn’t gone to France as planned on a World Cup reconnaissance trip.

He had been due to fly out as part of a group checking venues, hotels and facilities for the Wales squad at next year’s global tournament. As late as Saturday evening he was adamant he would be travelling and some on the union were under the impression that would be the case, but he has remained in Wales to ensure maximum efficiency for the review process.

It is believed Pivac himself made the decision not to make the trip.

Warren Gatland heads up a number of potential candidates the Welsh Rugby Union are ready to consider as they prepare to decide upon Pivac’s future. Other names in the frame include former Ospreys coach Steve Tandy and ex-scarlets head coach Brad Mooar.