Warren Gatland returns as Wales head coach

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced the reappointment of Warren Gatland as Wales head coach for the 2023 season.

The decision follows after a review conducted by the Welsh board following a disappointing autumn internationals that saw the side lose games to Georgia, Australia and New Zealand while managing a solitary win against Argentina. He takes over from Wayne Pivac.

It was also their first defeat against Georgia in a year that also saw them lose to Italy in the Six Nations tournament that saw them lose four out of five matches followed by a series loss against South Africa.

With the World Cup scheduled next year in France, WRU CEO Steve Phillips has decided to bring in their most successful coach back in the fold. He has guided them to four Six Nations titles including three Grand Slams and managed to reach the semi-final in the 2011 World Cup after being part of them between 2007 and 2019.

"This is one of the toughest calls to make in sport," Phillips said in a statement, "but the review process has reached its conclusion and we have acted quickly and efficiently in the very best interests of our national team.

"Ultimately we are in the results business and we have agreed with Wayne that the current trajectory for Wales is not where we want it to be and we thank him sincerely for his time, enthusiasm, diligence and effort, which is unquestioned, as head coach over the last three years.

"In Warren we are bringing in one of the very best coaches in the international game. We were sorry to see him go when he left and we are delighted that he has agreed to return. We know him well and, most importantly, he knows us well too.

"This appointment is no quick fix, nor sticking plaster, it is part of our long term planning for the game in Wales. We have been able to take swift action in difficult circumstances and that is testament to the good grace and professionalism of Wayne and the efficiency of our review process".

Gatland also coached British and Irish Lions in 2009 (assistant), 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours and following his exit from Wales coaching role at the end of the 2019 World Cup, he joined Chiefs as director of rugby in 2020.

"I'm very much looking forward to returning to coach Wales. This is an opportunity to achieve something with a talented group of players in a country so passionate about rugby. A country which made my family and I so welcome, when we first arrived 15 years ago, and all the time we were there."

"There is little time for sentiment, professional sport is all about preparation, values and results. There will be new challenges as there always is with a change in head coach, but for me the environment, the players and their families will always come first.

"We must prepare to the best of our ability in the time available. We will value and respect each other, we will work hard and, if we get this right together, performances and results will follow."