Llanelli Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins was appointed as Wales coach yesterday after a meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union directors in Cardiff.
Jenkins (54) succeeds Mike Ruddock who resigned unexpectedly during the last Six Nations championship after taking Wales to their first Grand Slam since 1978 in the previous year.
Jenkins was given a two-year contract which will take him through next year's World Cup, winning the job ahead of Leeds Tykes director of rugby Phil Davies. "This is something to which I have aspired for a long, long time," Jenkins told reporters. "It is a job I would have been disappointed at not filling at some stage of my career."
Jenkins said he would not make any drastic changes to Wales' enterprising style. "As a Welshman, I believe in the style Welsh rugby is played in. Maybe we need to add a bit of variety and a bit of tactical appreciation."
Brian O'Driscoll and Reggie Corrigan are doubtful for Leinster's Celtic League match against the Ospreys tomorrow night. O'Driscoll picked up a knock to his elbow during last Sunday's loss to Munster.
