Friday, 16 January was the closing date for applications for the job of Wales National Coach. There has been a high level of interest in the post, which was advertised worldwide, and there are a number of quality applicants from both within Wales and from outside, whose names, along with those of any others who might apply before the closing date, will be put forward to the interview panel next week.

The WRU feels that at this stage it would be wrong to reveal the identity of any of the applicants. The five-man interview panel will consider the merits of all applicants before drafting a short-list and inviting candidates to attend interviews.

The WRU interview panel will be David Pickering (WRU chairman), David Moffett (WRU Chief Executive), David Rees (Chairman, WRU Game Policy Committee), Steve Lewis (WRU General Manager), and Terry Cobner (WRU Director of Rugby).