Pivac expects to fit seamlessly into role of Wales boss after 2019 World Cup

Kiwi will succeed Warren Gatland as Wales boss after next year’s global showpiece in Japan.

Wayne Pivac believes his knowledge of Welsh rugby gives him an advantage in succeeding as Wales head coach.

Pivac might have been born in New Zealand and served in the Auckland constabulary, but he has been immersed in Welsh rugby culture since taking over at the Scarlets in 2014.

It was announced on Monday that the 55-year-old will succeed fellow Kiwi Warren Gatland after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and Pivac expects to fit seamlessly into the position.

“I am obviously from New Zealand but I don’t feel like an outsider,” Pivac said.

“The biggest thing about putting myself through this process was that I have been living in Wales for four years.

“It is an advantage to know regional rugby the way I do, what goes on in the regional game, and working with the WRU as I have done over a number of years.

“I felt more comfortable putting my name forward and I feel as if I am a Welsh coach.”

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies said the process of finding Gatland’s successor dated as far back as Wales’ tour of New Zealand in summer 2016.

Gatland told the WRU in November 2015 that he would be leaving after the 2019 World Cup, and Davies said “around 10 to 12 names” had found their way on to Wales’ original short-list, including that of Pivac.

Wayne Pivac will replace Warren Gatland (pictured) after next year's World Cup — Warren Gatland is stepping down after next year’s World Cup (Ben Birchall/PA)

In the wake of that trip, Pivac turned the Scarlets from also-rans into a genuine force both at home and abroad.

The Scarlets won the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017 and were Champions Cup semi-finalists in 2018, while all the time playing an exciting brand of rugby and many of their players impressing for Gatland’s Wales side.

Fellow Kiwis Dave Rennie, the Glasgow coach, and Scott Robinson were also short-listed for the post, but Pivac also ticked the international rugby box having coached Fiji between 2004 and 2007.

“I had a taste of international rugby and I loved that, albeit it Fiji were more of a tier-two nation back then,” Pivac said.

“From the day I left Fiji rugby I wanted to have another opportunity to do it.

Exeter Chiefs v Glasgow Warriors – European Champions Cup – Pool Three – Sandy Park — Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie was considered for the Wales job (Simon Galloway/PA)

“I’m a lot more mature as a coach now and it’s something I’m going to enjoy.”

Pivac will spend a fifth campaign in charge of the Scarlets next season before joining the WRU in July 2019.

Munster v Scarlets – Guinness Pro12 – Final – Aviva Stadium — Pivac’s Scarlets won the Guinness PRO12 in 2017 (Brian Lawless/PA)

“My relationship with Warren won’t be any different to what it’s been for the last four years,” Pivac said.

“I can pick the phone up any time to Warren to talk about a player and he can do the same as well.

“There is a lot of feedback and information that gets passed on both ways and that will continue in the next 12 months with Warren in his role and I in mine.”