I'd be interested in Cardiff coaching role, admits Pivac

WAYNE Pivac knows better than most how tough the Welsh rugby landscape can be.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

The 62-year-old led Wales to a Six Nations title in 2021 and a historic first win over South Africa on their own turf a year later.

Yet, despite those highs, he was dismissed just months before the 2023 World Cup - his fate sealed after a shock home defeat to Georgia. Prior to his appointment as Wales coach Pivac was the second coming in the eyes of many Welsh rugby fans after leading the Scarlets to the PRO12 title and a Champions Cup semi-final in scintillating fashion.

But the cracks had already begun appearing in Welsh rugby prior to his appointment as national coach.

And if they were beginning to show when Pivac was in charge, by the time his predecessor Warren Gatland became his successor they had blown apart with a run of 17 straight defeats.

Speaking from his home in Japan, where he recently decided to part ways with NEC Green Rockets, Pivac warns Welsh rugby it must change if it is to become a successful rugby nation again.

"I felt a little bit of frustration watching the team after I left, especially post the World Cup," Pivac said.

"I thought they did well in the World Cup but it was really after that, seeing the further decline, results-wise.

"That was frustrating knowing what we were dealing with towards the end of my tenure there. To see more of the same and things get worse if anything it was frustrating.