Wales know they are in safe hands when Warren Gatland leads them to his fourth Rugby World Cup as head coach. But it could prove to be the New Zealander’s biggest challenge of all after a difficult 12 months on and off the pitch.
Since Wales claimed a first victory over the Springboks in South Africa last year, they have won just three out of 13 Tests.
Wayne Pivac left his role as head coach following an autumn campaign when Wales lost at home to Georgia, before Gatland returned for a second stint in the top job.
There was also a significant backdrop of major financial issues and contractual uncertainty throughout the Welsh professional game, so much so that a threatened players’ strike dominated the build-up to Wales’ Guinness Six Nations clash with England in February.