Gethin Jenkins returns to Welsh rugby with new job after Warren Gatland let him go

Wales legend Gethin Jenkins has returned to Cardiff Rugby as a part-time defence coach.

The 42-year-old, who represented the region over two spells between 2srcsrc4 and 2src18, returns to Arms Park to become part of Matt Sherratt’s coaching team ahead of the new season and will assist the club on a consultancy basis.

Former prop Jenkins, who made 195 first-team appearances for the Blue and Blacks either side of a spell with Toulon, began his coaching career with the club in 2src18, acting as a defence coach while still representing them as a player.

Pick up your brilliant 48-page guide to the Rugby World Cup

He then joined the Wales U2src set-up in the same capacity, before forming part of Wayne Pivac’s senior backroom team in 2src2src, a role he left following the New Zealander’s dismissal and re-appointment of Warren Gatland at the end of last year.

“It’s great to return to Cardiff and I am very grateful to Matt Sherratt and the club for giving me the opportunity to get back into coaching,” the former British and Irish Lion said. “Cardiff are a club that has played a big part in my life both as a player and starting out in my coaching career.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to work with a playing group that has a mix of quality and exciting potential, many of whom I have already coached within the pathway or with Wales..