Warren Gatland to coach Wales again

Warren Gatland set to return for second stint as Wales coach

Warren Gatland is set to return to coach Wales for the second time after Wayne Pivac leaves his post at the end of the Six Nations. Gatland will return to Wales at the end of New Zealand's Super Rugby season, which finishes in mid-June. Pivac the current Wales coach, departs after overseeing a disappointing Six Nations campaign that saw the team finish fifth, with Pivac having won just 12 of his 33 matches in charge.

Gatland previously coached Wales between 2008 and 2019, leading the team to three Six Nations titles, four Grand Slams, and two World Cup semi-finals.

The New Zealander's first game in his second spell as Wales coach will be against Ireland in Cardiff on Feb. 4, 2024.

Gatland: 'I am excited to be given the opportunity to coach Wales once again'

Gatland said: "I am excited to be given the opportunity to coach Wales once again. I have a huge amount of respect for what Wayne Pivac and his team have achieved over the last three years, and I am looking forward to working with the players and staff to build on the progress that has been made." Gatland's return to Wales has been widely welcomed by fans and pundits alike. The 59-year-old is seen as one of the most successful coaches in the world, and his return is expected to boost Wales' hopes of success at the 2023 World Cup in France.

Wales Rugby Union chairman Ieuan Evans said: "Warren is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success. We are delighted to have him back on board, and we are confident that he can help us to achieve our goals."

Gatland's first task will be to prepare Wales for the 2023 Six Nations. Wales will be looking to improve on their fifth-place finish in this year's tournament. Gatland will also be keen to assess the team's progress ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France.

Gatland is a highly experienced coach with a proven track record of success. He has won numerous trophies with Wales, including three Six Nations titles and four Grand Slams. He also led the British and Irish Lions to a series victory over Australia in 2013 and a draw with New Zealand in 2017. Gatland is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world, and his return to Wales is a major coup for the Welsh Rugby Union.