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Rugby Union

Gatland appointed Wales coach

09/11/2007

Warren Gatland has been appointed as the new head coach of Wales, according to an announcement from his current employers Waikato Rugby Union.

The New Zealand provincial side have confirmed the appointment of Gatland, who will start his new role on December 1st.

He has been in the UK for talks with the Welsh Rugby Football Union (WRFU) for the last couple of weeks and is set to be confirmed later today at an official press conference.

Gatland, a New Zealander by birth, takes over from sacked former coach Gareth Jenkins, who was dismissed following Wales' early exit from the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage.

A 38-34 defeat to Fiji in their final group game meant Jenkins' men flew home, while the Pacific islanders qualified for the quarter-finals where they lost to eventual winners South Africa.

"I've been given the opportunity to coach at the highest level," Gatland said.

"While it was a hard decision to make to leave Waikato it is the ultimate dream for me to coach at this level again.

"I want to thank Waikato for the support they have given me during this time of transition."

Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Graham Bowen said: "The Wales coaching job was an opportunity too good to turn down for Warren who had aspirations to continue on as an international coach.

"The Waikato Rugby Union fully supports Warren in his decision to coach at international level again. We have a good relationship with Warren and maybe sometime in the future he will again be able to add value to Waikato rugby."

Gatland has experience of coaching in Europe, formerly working with Guinness Premiership side London Wasps and also as Eddie O'Sullivan's predecessor in the Ireland job.