Wales set to unveil Gatland

Warren Gatland is expected to be confirmed as the new Wales coach tomorrow

Warren Gatland is expected to be confirmed as the new Wales coach tomorrow.  A Welsh Rugby Union press conference has been called at the Millennium Stadium for 12.30pm.

The WRU say it will be "a major announcement."

New Zealander Gatland (44) should be unveiled as the successor to Gareth Jenkins, who lost his job after Wales failed to progress beyond the World Cup pool stage in France almost six weeks ago.

It is anticipated the former All Blacks hooker will secure a four-year deal incorporating World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

READ MORE

South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White had been linked with the post.

But Gatland - currently coach of New Zealand provincial side Waikato - is expected to take charge for Wales' 2008 Six Nations campaign, which starts against England at Twickenham on February 2nd.

Gatland, a former Ireland coach, masterminded Wasps' hat-trick of Premiership titles between 2003 and 2005, while the Londoners were also crowned 2004 European champions.

One of Gatland's early tasks 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.