Incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac has hailed the passion of Stephen Jones and Jonathan Humphreys after choosing them to join his backroom staff.
Pivac, who will succeed Wales boss Warren Gatland after next autumn's World Cup in Japan, has named his current Scarlets assistant Jones as backs coach and Humphreys as forwards coach.
The pair both captained Wales during their distinguished playing careers, and it was announced on Wednesday that they would be joining Pivac's backroom staff.
Stephen Jones and Jonathan Humphreys appointed Wales assistant coaches as part of incoming head coach Wayne Pivac's team. Cyn-chwaraewyr a hyfforddwyr profiadol Cymreig fydd yn ymuno prif hyfforddwr Wayne Pivac ar ôl Cwpan y Byd 2019. pic.twitter.com/MDs2FYLj8M — Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 19, 2018
At the same time it was confirmed that Neil Jenkins, Wales' all-time record points scorer and kicking coach, and Paul Stridgeon, the WRU's head of physical performance, will remain on board after Gatland's 12-year reign comes to an end.
"It was a fairly quick exercise really," Pivac said of the appointments of Jones and Humphreys.
"Both are very experienced and successful coaches with great playing careers. Both are Welsh and very passionate rugby men.
"I think that has shown through and they will offer a lot to the national team."
Former outside-half Jones – who won 104 caps for Wales and six more for the British and Irish Lions – has worked alongside Pivac at the Scarlets for the last three years.
Humphreys has spent the last five years working in Scotland, first with the national team and more recently as assistant coach at Glasgow Warriors.
"We'll be officially on board – on the payroll so to speak – from July," said Pivac, who will adopt a watching brief in Japan before his first Six Nations Championship in 2020 and a planned summer tour.
"A lot of work is being done behind the scenes, things that are beneficial in terms of planning post-Rugby World Cup.
"There are regions to get around and build relationships with.
WRU TV 📺 Get the first word from newly-announced incoming Wales assistant coaches Stephen Jones and Jonathan Humphreys, along with the man who will be heading up the team, Wayne Pivac. pic.twitter.com/TX4xvBQGoL — Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 19, 2018
"But we've got roles with the Scarlets and Glasgow until the end of the season and that is the main priority for all of us."
Jones will succeed Rob Howley as being in control of the Wales back division.
The 41-year-old batted away criticism that the downturn in the Scarlets' form is the result of the summer announcement that Pivac would succeed his fellow New Zealander Gatland.
The Scarlets reached the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup last season but have lost all four pool games this term and are bottom of their group.
"I don't think Wayne's appointment has anything to do with our injury list," Jones said.
A poignant location for Stephen Jones to meet the press today for Wales' coaching announcement: the Ray Gravell Suite at Principality Stadium Atgofion melys o un o'r cymeriadau mwyaf dylanwadol Scarlets a Chymru, yn y stafell a enwir ar ei ôl. pic.twitter.com/hPRvPbjJKT — Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 19, 2018
"Our injuries have been well documented, and the boys are fully aware that Wayne is going onto an international role and are desperate to prove their value to him.
"It's not had one negative effect on the group."
Former hooker Humphreys returns to Wales after prefacing his time in Scotland with a seven-year coaching spell at the Ospreys between 2006 and 2013.
NEWS | Scarlets assistant coach Stephen Jones will join Wayne Pivac as part of the Wales coaching group after World Cup 2019. "Whilst excited by this role, my focus is fully on the Scarlets and the rest of our campaign." pic.twitter.com/yIvEspv9Ld — Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) December 19, 2018
"What I've learned (in Scotland) is that the relationship between players, unions and coaches is a massive one," Humphreys said.
"The most we can get out there and be with the players day-to-day with the clubs is really key for the role.
"The chance to coach my country is something I never thought I'd have the opportunity to do, but I want to get out there and develop a relationship with the regions."
Scarlets defence coach Byron Hayward is the favourite to succeed Shaun Edwards after the 2019 World Cup, with an announcement expected soon.
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