Sam Warburton steps down from Wales coaching team with Gethin Jenkins named as replacement
Sam Warburton, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain, has stepped down from his role as technical coach with Wales ahead of the conclusion of the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup.
Warburton will be replaced by Gethin Jenkins, with the former Wales prop joining the coaching setup from Cardiff Blues and taking over Warburton's role overseeing the breakdown. Jenkins, who won 129 Test caps, has also recently worked as defence coach for the Wales Under-20 side.
Warburton, 32, announced that he plans to pursue business interests outside of the sport.
Warburton said: "I would like to thank Wayne and the coaching team for the opportunity I’ve had. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and I’m excited for the future for the national team.
"For me personally, I have had time to reflect and plan during the lockdown and I feel with a new addition to my family and business interests away from coaching, I can’t devote the time needed in the role and so have decided to step away from coaching. What Wayne and his team are building is hugely exciting and I wish them all the best for the future."
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: "I’m delighted to be welcoming Gethin into the coaching team, he has vast experience of the international game and is hugely respected. Since retiring he has built a great reputation as a coach and has worked across different levels and age-grades of the game, most recently working alongside Wales’ U20 side.
"I’d like to thank Sam for his hard work over the last year and what he has given to the team and to Wales. I would like to thank him for his honesty regarding his future and the need to spend more time on other projects away from the game and wish him all the best in that."
