The Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies believes Wayne Pivac is the “best man” to replace Warren Gatland as the national sides head coach and that Wales have greater squad depth than in 2016.
The former Wales international also shed light on the decision making behind current Scalets head coach Wayne Pivac’s selection.
Pivac will take over when Gatland steps down after the 2019 Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup in Japan, and will remain at Scarlets for the entirety of next season.
Davies outlined his hopes for the future saying: “We want Wales to be consistently in the top four because if that’s the case there’s no reason why we can’t win the World Cup.
“International rugby is all about winning, but there comes a time when you have to try and blood people.
“Perhaps we were a year late in doing that, but what has come through has been what has happened over the last year or so where we have got two really strong sides now, probably more, whereas in 2016 we didn’t have anywhere near that.”
Current coach Gatland has led Wales to two famous Six Nations Grand Slam titles in 2008 and 2012, a Championship victory in 2013, and a World Cup semi-final (2011) in his 11 years in charge.
His successor, 55-year-old New Zealander Pivac, has led Scarlets to consecutive PRO14 finals – clinching the title in 2017 with a convincing 46-22 victory over Munster in Dublin.
Former Wales captain Davies explained the thought process behind Pivac’s selection, saying: “We wanted to get in first and get who we deem to be the best man.
“It saves you making decisions on the hoof or a quick decision when you are in a corner.
“We have met a number of coaches around the world over the last couple of years which allowed us to compile a very strong shortlist.
“When we set off, he hadn’t won anything over here. As the Scarlets became successful, things moved.
“It has been a really interesting process. It’s also been a very robust and meaningful one.
“Wayne ticked a lot of boxes there, especially with his player recognition in terms of recruitment and development. If he has got an eye for that, then I’d imagine he has a good eye for selection.
“By the end of the process, Wayne emerged top of the pile and it was a very strong pile.
“We are happy and comfortable we have got the best person that we have seen.”
