Monday saw the revealing of the successor to Warren Gatland’s throne post-2019 Rugby World Cup. Scarlets head boss Wayne Pivac was named after leading the rumour race for months. The two year search ends with Pivac gaining control of the Welsh side from 2019 Autumn series until the 2023 World Cup.
#BREAKING ??????? Wayne Pivac unveiled as Wales’ next head coach: https://t.co/doSDuounB6
? Croeso mawr i Wayne. Fydd e’n ymuno â ni o Barc y Scarlets ym mis Orffennaf 2019. #WelcomeWayne #CroesoWayne pic.twitter.com/0fHIEhxLFM
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) 9 July 2018
Wayne Pivac the right man to lead Wales
Other than his sparkling results at the Scarlets, turning them into a contender at both domestic and European levels, Pivac commands a stunning style of rugby that wins over fans and more importantly, rugby matches.
He’s an open and honest coach with a system that allows players to play rugby and try things without the feeling that they’ll get punished to hell and back if it doesn’t pay off. His predecessor Warren Gatland has begun the process of blooding more youth and Pivac will take control of many of these post-2019 World Cup.
His ability to find gems out of nothing are proven by his development of Hadleigh Parkes and Tadhg Beirne down at Parc Y Scarlets. If he can continue to find stars from the regional level and turn them into international heroes then Wales could well be looking at some silverware during his tenure.
Backroom staff to be announced
No backroom staff have been confirmed as of yet, but many have looked towards current Scarlets backs coach Stephen Jones. It would be a great move on from Rob Howley, but would hurt the Scarlets further.
Sean Edwards has been linked with a move to England, but with over 12 months until the World Cup begins don’t expect anything to be revealed so soon. There could yet be a full shake-up as the WRU and Pivac sit down and look towards the post World Cup life.
Scarlets loss, but not the end of an era
Pivac leaving the Scarlets is certainly a blow, but not an unexpected one; Pivac has been leading the race in the public eye for some time. The board in Llanelli have made some very assured signings in recent years both on and off the field.
The WRU should do all they can to help retain the Scarlets coaching talent that will remain whilst helping in the search of the next Wayne Pivac.
?️ “It’s both a huge honour and a privilege to have been asked to be the next Wales coach,” says Wayne Pivac at today’s media session in @principalitysta. #WelcomeWayne #CroesoWayne pic.twitter.com/AY7YKOVSOK
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) 9 July 2018
Pivac will follow Gatland’s new found open play
Wales will continue to utilise the more open rugby style under Pivac who will ensure that the solid forward platform and defence remains. If he can fully utilise the youthful talent that’s breaking through into the system then Wales will have enough depth to compete for Six Nations and World Cups in the near future.
Pivac will ensure that Wales are competing in years to come whilst developing enough talent that his successor will also have a good starting platform. It has been a great move by the WRU to get Pivac on board so early, thus eliminating any threat from English clubs.
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