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Kiwi tipped to replace Warren Gatland

By Online Editors

Outlets from the UK report Wayne Pivac is the favourite to succeed Warren Gatland and become the next head coach of Wales.

Scarlets coach Pivac and Glasgow coach Dave Rennie - both New Zealand born - are thought to be the two leading contenders.

A report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper said the national union was "understood to be at an advanced stage of the interview process and close to unveiling the Kiwi's [Gatland's] successor".

After 11 years at the helm of Wales, Gatland is said to be seeking a return to New Zealand following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The UK's Rugby Paper and Telegraph both reported that Pivac could be unveiled as soon as Monday.

Pivac's Scarlets assistant Stephen Jones is also said to be in the mix for a role with the national side.

Pivac and Jones led the Scarlets to a Pro14 title in 2017 and made the final last season. They also made it to the semifinal of the European Champions Cup before being knocked out by eventual champions Leinster.

Pivac has coached Auckland and North Harbour in New Zealand's provincial competition, as well as the Fijian national side in a career that has now spanned 16 years.

Crusaders Super Rugby coach Scott Robertson had also been linked with the impending vacancy but denied the reports.

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