Hayward steps down in Wales shake-up
WALES defence coach Byron Hayward has left his role with immediate effect, it has been announced.
Hayward, a former Wales Under-20s and Scarlets coach, had joined head coach Wayne Pivac’s coaching team in 2019 – succeeding Shaun Edwards – but has left his role by mutual agreement ahead of the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup campaign.
In a statement issued by the Welsh Rugby Union, Pivac said it had been mutually decided that the best way forward was for Hayward to step down following the last campaign, in which Wales lost four Six Nations matches and five games on the bounce.
Their only Championship win came against Italy back in February. It is the first time since 2007 that Wales have won just one Six Nations game.
Hayward had taken over from Wales defence guru Edwards, who left for France after the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Now, the remaining Wales coaching staff will manage the defence for the Autumn Nations Cup, which begins on Friday in Dublin, before appointing a replacement.
It is the second departure from the Wales coaching staff, with Wales and Lions legend Sam Waburton announcing in October that he was stepping down from his role as technical coach for breakdown/defence. He was replaced by Gethin Jenkins.
On Hayward’s departure, Wales head coach Pivac said: “I would like to thank Byron for all his hard work with Wales and thank him for his honesty in recent meetings.
“I have worked alongside Byron for six and a half years, he is a dedicated coach that has had great success in his career.
“On reflection of the last campaign it was mutually decided that the best way forward for Wales and for Byron is for him to step down from his role.
“I, on behalf of the squad and management, would like to wish Byron all the best for the future.
Hayward added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Wales and it was an honour to coach my country.
“As I have always said from day one, the team comes first and upon reflection of the last campaign with Wayne we felt it was best for me to step aside.”