Waikato: Gatland appointed Wales coach

Warren Gatland will start work as the new coach of Wales on December 1, a statement on the Waikato Rugby Union official website confirmed.

A Millennium Stadium press conference fronted by Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis has been called for 12.30pm today in Cardiff.

But a statement on the Waikato Rugby Union official website read: "Waikato coach Warren Gatland has been appointed coach of Wales."

Gatland added: "I've been given the opportunity to coach at the highest level.

"While it was a hard decision to make to leave Waikato, it is the ultimate dream for me to coach at this level again. I want to thank Waikato for the support they have given me during this time of transition."