Wales have reappointed Warren Gatland as head coach, after parting ways with Kiwi compatriot Wayne Pivac.
After a poor 2022 season that saw Wales drop nine of 12 tests, Pivac has been relieved of his duties less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup in France.
"This is one of the toughest calls to make in sport, but the review process has reached its conclusion, and we acted quickly and efficiently in the very best interests of our national team," said Wales Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips.
"Ultimately, we're in the results business and we have agreed with Wayne that the current trajectory for Wales is not where we want it to be, and we thank him sincerely for his time, enthusiasm, diligence and effort, which is unquestioned, as head coach over the last three years."
As a result, Gatland has been parachuted into the Wales head-coaching role, returning after returning to New Zealand with the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
The 59-year-old had operated as Chiefs director of rugby, after stepping aside in 2022 for Clayton McMillan, but as his former side came knocking, Gatland says the opportunity was too good to turn down.
"I'm very much looking forward to returning to coach Wales," said Gatland. "This is an opportunity to achieve something with a talented group of players in a country so passionate about rugby... a country which made my family and I so welcome, when we first arrived 15 years ago and all the time we were there.
"Our immediate priority is the 2023 Six Nations and next year's World Cup."
Gatland is Wales' most successful coach, achieving four Six Nations titles and two clean sweeps in his tenure.
The Kiwi also took Wales to the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2019, and saw the nation top World Rugby's rankings for the first time in history, while also guiding the British & Irish Lions on tours to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
