Football. Warren Gatland is back as Wales manager. sports

Warren Gatland is back. The New Zealander has been appointed coach of the Wales national rugby team to replace Wayne Pivac, notably in relation to the key deadlines of 2023: the Six Nations and the World Cup, the Welsh Federation announced on Monday.

The 59-year-old New Zealand technician captained the Welsh side from 2007 until the 2019 World Cup in Japan, where they reached the semi-finals.

Under his leadership, the Leek XV again reached the last four at the 2011 World Cup, in New Zealand. The former Waikato hooker has led Welsh to three Grand Slams at the Six Nations Championship in 2008, 2012 and 2019.

I pushed Pivac to the exit

Wayne Bivac, 60, who succeeded him in 2019, has led Wales to another Six Nations victory in 2021 but without real convincing, despite the emergence of a new talent, winger Louis Rhys Zammit.

Disappointing results for the selection during the last fall tour, with three defeats in four matches Including history at home in front of a modest Georgian pick (13-12)outperformed Pivac.

“It’s one of the toughest decisions in sports.”WRU CEO Steve Phillips said in a statement.

“At the end of the day, we’re in the results business and we agree with Wayne that the current trajectory of Wales is not where we want it to be, and we sincerely thank him for his time, enthusiasm, diligence and effort, indisputably, as head coach over the past three years.”pointed out.

With Warren, we employ one of the best coaches in world rugby.Stephen Phillips said.

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Gatland has also captained the British and Irish Lions on three tours: Australia in 2013, New Zealand in 2017 and South Africa in 2021.

He will now have to prepare for the next edition of the tournament, which the Welshman will start on February 4 against Ireland, and then the World Cup, which will be held in France from September 8 to October 28.