Warren Gatland returns as Wales head coach in place of Wayne Pivac

Wales have reappointed Warren Gatland as head coach after parting ways with Wayne Pivac.

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed Pivac's departure following their review of Wales’ Autumn Nations Series campaign that included a home defeat against Georgia.

Wales won 13 of 34 Tests under Pivac after he succeeded his fellow New Zealander Gatland following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Gatland now makes an extraordinary return to the post he held between 2008 and 2019, during which time Wales won four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, reached two Rugby World Cup semi-finals and briefly headed the world rankings.

He will take charge of Wales for next year’s Six Nations and World Cup, with the WRU open to the possibility of him remaining in charge until the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

"This is one of the toughest calls to make in sport, but the review process has reached its conclusion and we have acted quickly and efficiently in the very best interests of our national team," said WRU chief executive Steve Phillips.

"Ultimately we are in the results business and we have agreed with Wayne that the current trajectory for Wales is not where we want it to be and we thank him sincerely for his time, enthusiasm, diligence and effort, which is unquestioned, as head coach over the last three years."

Gatland leaves his post as director of rugby at Super Rugby's Chiefs with immediate effect and will return to Wales before Christmas.

The first game of his second stint in charge comes against Ireland in the opening round of the Six Nations on 4 February.

"This is an opportunity to achieve something with a talented group of players in a country so passionate about rugby," said Gatland.

"Our immediate priority is obviously the 2023 Guinness Six