Wayne Pivac admitted it was a “no-brainer” to succeed Warren Gatland as Wales boss – even though he will not take charge for another 16 months.

Pivac was appointed as the next Wales head coach on Monday, but must wait until next July to join the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Scarlets head coach will then succeed fellow New Zealander Gatland after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with the tournament played in the autumn and the final in Yokohama on November 2.

“I was going to look very seriously at it when the opportunity arose and for me it was a no-brainer,” Pivac, 55, said at a press conference in Cardiff to unveil him as the 23rd coach of the Wales national team.

“I think the Union’s in good hands and I want to be part of it.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to coach Wales after the Rugby World Cup.

“I’ve been through a robust interview process, one which I enjoyed, and I want to continue the strong work done by Warren and his team.

“I’d like to think I’ll do everything I can to emulate some of the results they’ve got and where we can to try and improve things.”

Gatland has been in charge since December 2007, winning two Grand Slams as well as leading Wales to a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final.

Wayne Pivac will replace Warren Gatland (pictured) after next year's World Cup
Warren Gatland is stepping down after next year’s World Cup (Ben Birchall/PA)

The 54-year-old has coached the British and Irish Lions twice during his Wales tenure, but he told the WRU in November 2015 that he would be stepping down after the 2019 World Cup.

Pivac , a former Auckland policeman, was chosen ahead of fellow Kiwis Dave Rennie and Scott Robinson, who were also on the shortlist for the post.

He has been head coach of the Scarlets since 2014, masterminding last year’s Guinness PRO12 title and passage into the semi-finals of this season’s Champions Cup.

“When I first came to Wales I was totally focused on doing a role with the Scarlets, but knowing if that job went well it would lead to something else,” Pivac said.

“I had a taste of international rugby with Fiji and thoroughly enjoyed that.

“For me it was a matter of how I would fit in with Wales and I’ve really enjoyed the experience, both in and outside the rugby environment in Wales.

Munster v Scarlets – Guinness Pro12 – Final – Aviva Stadium
Pivac’s Scarlets won the Guinness PRO12 in 2017 (Brian Lawless/PA)

“Nothing will change over my role at the Scarlets in the next 12 months.

“But outside that there will be opportunities to do some of the groundwork and get myself up to speed. Having that ability to observe and plan early is going to be the benefit of all involved.”

Pivac will delay assembling his backroom staff until next summer, just months before the World Cup.

Wales Squad Announcement – Vale Resort
The future of Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards and others remains unclear after the 2019 World Cup (Ben Birchall/PA)

The futures of Gatland’s backroom staff – Rob Howley, Shaun Edwards, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins – remain unclear after that point, with Pivac’s Scarlets assistant Stephen Jones heavily tipped to join him with Wales.

“It (backroom team) is something we’ll work through over the next 12 months,” Pivac said.

“There’s no rush on that and we’ll do what’s best for the country.

Rugby Union – Aviva Premiership – London Wasps v Northampton Rugby – Adams Park
Former Wales fly-half Stephen Jones is tipped to join Wayne Pivac’s coaching staff (David Davies/PA)

“Whether it means getting someone from Wales, or outside the country, we’ll go through that in a timely manner.

“He (Jones) is someone who will be discussed with the coaching group as we go forward.

“I know a lot about him and other coaches out there and it will be a very thorough process.”