truebluefan

News of his appointment was released by the New Zealand province earlier today and is expected to be confirmed later at a Welsh Rugby Union press conference in Cardiff.
"I've been given the opportunity to coach at the highest level," the former Ireland and London Wasps coach commented.

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

The 44-year-old succeeds Gareth Jenkins, who lost his job after Wales failed to progress beyond the World Cup pool stage in France almost six weeks ago.

Gatland follows Steve Hansen and Graham Henry as the third Kiwi to coach the principality.

The New Zealander and WRU chief executive Roger Lewis have spent a considerable amount of time together during the past seven days, and it is anticipated the new coach will secure a four-year deal incorporating Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

One of Gatland's early tasks ahead of next year's Six Nations will be to assemble his coaching support staff, with former Wigan and Great Britain rugby league star Shaun Edwards a strong candidate to be involved.

Wasps coach Edwards, a renowned defence expert, could be recruited by Wales on a part-time basis, freeing him to continue his club commitments working alongside Ian McGeechan at Adams Park.

Nigel Davies, Jenkins' assistant during the failed World Cup campaign, will take charge for Wales' one-off Test against South Africa in Cardiff on November 24.

Gatland also paid tribute to the people of Waikato, adding, "I want to thank Waikato for the support they have given me during this time of transition."

Gatland was appointed coach of the Waikato team in July 2005 on a three-year contract to 2008.

The former All Black had returned to New Zealand after coaching spells with the Irish national side and Premiership side Wasps in England with whom he won three league titles and the Heineken Cup.

The Waikato hooker played 17 games for the All Blacks between 1988 and 1991.

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

"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.

"Winning the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup in 2006 and securing the Ranfurly Shield for the eighth time in Waikato history this year are highlights in Warren's time with the Mooloos.

``However, he was also instrumental in developing a number of young rugby players in our province and we will no doubt see the result of this in future years in Waikato rugby.

``We have time to recruit before the Waikato rugby season is set to kick off.''