Wales coach Warren Gatland has been appointed as the new Chiefs head coach on a four-year deal until 2023.

Gatland, currently coaching Wales through to the end of the 2019 World Cup, will return to New Zealand after completing his duties with the international outfit to begin his new role for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

His four-year deal to 2023 will include a break to coach the British & Irish Lions in 2021.

The former Waikato Rugby Union head coach and Chiefs Rugby Club technical advisor has been in charge of the Welsh national side since 2008. Gatland has been instrumental to the success of the Welsh national side during his tenure with an impressive record of four Six Nations Titles, including three grand slams, the most recent in 2019.

His ongoing success with Wales led to his appointment as head coach of the British & Irish Lions 2017 tour of New Zealand, where they drew the series against the All Blacks. Recently Gatland was announced as head coach for his third tour with the side in 2021 to South Africa.

Gatland said he was grateful for the chance to return home to New Zealand to coach a side he has a strong connection to.

‘I am really excited about the opportunity to come back home. The opportunity to come back as head coach of the Chiefs is something that I am really looking forward to. The Chiefs are well known for the success they’ve had both on and off the field and the really loyal support they have from everyone within the Chiefs region.

‘I am excited to come back and be a part of the Chiefs community with the players, the fans, the sponsors, it’s something I really look forward to.’

Photo: Gallo Images