Gethin Jenkins joins Wales coaching team as technical coach

Cardiff Blues can confirm Gethin Jenkins has stepped down from his role within the academy to join Wales as a technical coach.

The legendary loose-head prop took up coaching positions within the Cardiff Blues academy and Cardiff RFC following his retirement from playing in 2018.

He has worked with both the age-grade and senior sides at Cardiff Blues and more recently he has been defence coach for Wales U20.  

But the 39-year-old, who is one of Wales’ most decorated former players having amassed 129 caps for his country, won four Six Nations including three Grand Slams and toured with the British & Irish Lions on three occasions, will now link with the national squad as part of Pivac’s coaching team on a full-time basis.

He replaces another Cardiff Blues, Wales and Lions legend, Sam Warburton, as a breakdown and defence specialist.

Warburton began his role with Wales last November, working on a campaign by campaign basis and has decided he needs to spend more time on his other commitments away from coaching.  Jenkins will begin his role at the start of the autumn campaign, working alongside Warburton for a short hand over period.