AWS

Gatland’s coaching team begins to take shape as Jenkins and Humphreys stay on

WarrenGatlandWal2019SB2000
Wales boss Warren Gatland has confirmed the first elements of his coaching team as the 2023 Guinness Six Nations draws ever closer.

Wales boss Warren Gatland has confirmed the first elements of his coaching team as the 2023 Guinness Six Nations draws ever closer.

Jonathan Humphreys and Neil Jenkins will stay on while Gatland will be seeking new attack and defence coaches after the departures of Stephen Jones and Gethin Jenkins from these positions.

Humphreys, a former Wales international hooker and captain, has been a part of the set-up since 2019 and will continue as forwards coach.

Warren Gatland’s return – Five Wales players who could benefit

Jenkins, who remains Wales’ all-time top point scorer from his playing days, is also retained. He worked with Gatland throughout his first tenure before transitioning to the Wayne Pivac regime.

Gatland re-inherits much of the analysis, strength and conditioning and medical staff which he left behind in 2019 and is not expected to make any further changes in this area.

The search for new attack and defence coaches is ongoing, with both positions expected to be filled in January.

WRU CEO Steve Phillips, said: “We are delighted that both Jonathan and Neil will stay on and be a part of Warren’s new team.

“The very nature of a change-over at the helm of a national team brings with it the possibility for change and evolution elsewhere in the back room staff.

“We have appointed a very experienced and senior head coach, one of the best coaches in the world game and Wales’ most successful ever coach, and it is important to now ensure that he is afforded the very best opportunity to succeed.”