Paul Gustard in contention for Wales defence coach role

Wales have a coaching vacancy following Gethin Jenkins’ departure.

Andrew Baldock
Wednesday 04 January 2023 10:13 GMT
Comments
Paul Gustard could land a role with Wales’ coaching team (Adam Davy/PA)
Paul Gustard could land a role with Wales’ coaching team (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former England defence coach Paul Gustard could be in line for a key job with Wales.

Wales boss Warren Gatland has a defence coach vacancy following Gethin Jenkins’ departure from the role.

And the PA news agency understands that 46-year-old Gustard is a leading contender to fill it.

Gustard was appointed by Eddie Jones as England defence coach in 2015, before he became head of rugby at Harlequins three years later.

He left that position in 2021 and took up a coaching post with Italian United Rugby Championship club Benetton.

Gatland, who was last month appointed for a second stint as Wales head coach, is currently finalising his support staff ahead of the Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Jonathan Humphreys and Neil Jenkins, who were both part of his predecessor Wayne Pivac’s team, have been retained.

But Gethin Jenkins and attack specialist Stephen Jones left at the end of a year in which Wales won just three Tests and suffered home defeats against Italy and Georgia.

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Cardiff on February 4.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in