ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Jul 10, 2018

What can we expect from new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac

The announcement of Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac replacing Warren Gatland as head of the Welsh national team after next year’s World Cup brings around a new wave of excitement in northern hemisphere rugby.

Like his fellow Kiwi, Pivac will switch club-coaching for country after a World Cup. However, unlike Gatland, much will be expected of the man credited with bringing the Scarlets their first Guinness Pro14 title in 2016.

Wales had found themselves in a bit of a rut over the course of the last 18 months. The infamous “Warren Ball” strategy came under some pretty intense scrutiny and criticism, with some validity, and led many to suggest a change of approach in the coaching set-up.

The club franchises have also endured several up-and-down seasons, but it has been the Scarlets of late who have shown the much-needed promise for Wales.

Perhaps the key to success for Pivac coming into the national fold next year is his knowledge of the Welsh game and players. Having initially joined the coaching set-up as Forwards Coach, Pivac moved up to Assistant Coach before taking over the head coach role after Guy Easterby stepped down in 2014. 

And the way he has moulded the Scarlets into a free-flowing, excitable team should leave Welsh fans more than a little optimistic.

“I am obviously from New Zealand but I don’t feel like an outsider,” Pivac told ITV Sport.

“The biggest thing about putting myself through this process was that I have been living in Wales for four years.  It is an advantage to know regional rugby the way I do, what goes on in the regional game, and working with the WRU as I have done over a number of years.

“I felt more comfortable putting my name forward and I feel as if I am a Welsh coach.”

Certainly, Pivac is the in-form coach in Welsh club rugby and was many people’s tip for the top job. It remains to be seen how much of an impact the 55 year-old New Zealander will have.

Wayne Pivac announced as new Wales head coach after RWC 2019

Scarlets power to maiden Pro14 title

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 229 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 233 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane

  • 261 WEEKS AGO

    Vunipola stands by his comments supporting...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Five of the best tries from the Investec Champions Cup

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban following elbow attack

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face France in thrilling encounter

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal stuns fans

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he gets too close to the action

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit's real reason for NFL move exposed

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    George Ford falls victim to the kickers curse

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

View All

Amateur

  • 66 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 66 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 90 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 HOURS AGO

    Kyle Rowe’s remarkable journey from an Amazon warehouse to the international stage

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    Bath Rugby bolster squad with another young signing

  • 1 DAY AGO

    How Jordie Barrett could fit into the Leinster system

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Statement: Ken Owens forced to retire with immediate effect

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Statement: Finn Russell injury update

View All