Wales Reveal Their Head Coach In The Absence Of Howley & Gatland This Summer

Warren Gatland announced that Rob Howley would once again join him with the Lions this summer.

His appointment leaves Wales with no head coach this summer, with Howley already filling in as interim head coach in Gatland’s absence. It’s now been revealed that Robin McBryde will be Wales head coach during next June’s tour of the Pacific Islands.

It will be the third time forwards boss McBryde has been put in caretaker charge of his country, both previous occasions coinciding with Warren Gatland and Howley being away on Lions business.

Wales however will still be left without a backs coach with former Wales wing Mark Jones being linked with the role having filled it three years ago for the Six Nations. Cardiff Blues backs coach Matt Sherratt was brought in by Howley for last month’s Test series but it remains unclear if he will be involved in next year’s Six Nations.

“The tour is an exciting opportunity for the squad, it is always an honour to represent your country and to do so overseas carries with it extra responsibility,” McBryde said of his appointment.

We will be facing two passionate rugby nations and it will be a huge challenge for the players, but an opportunity for them to show what they are able to do in the red jersey.

“For me it is another exciting opportunity to lead the team. It is something I have thoroughly enjoyed in the past and I’m really looking forward to doing it again at the end of the season.

“As is natural in a Lions year, we will inevitably have some senior players missing, but our focus will very much be on discovering future potential alongside maintaining current standards and, hopefully, coming away with two good performances and wins.”

Wales face Samoa and Tonga on dates and at venues to be confirmed next summer. The rest of McBryde’s coaching staff are expected to be confirmed next week.