Wednesday 7 December 2016 14:05, UK
Robin McBryde will lead Wales' coaching team on next summer's tour to the Pacific Islands.
With Wales interim head coach Rob Howley involved on the 2017 British and Irish Lions' trip to New Zealand in June and July - he is in charge this season while Warren Gatland concentrates on Lions business - Wales forwards specialist McBryde steps into the main tour role.
Specific fixtures against Tonga and Samoa are to be confirmed, but Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips has confirmed that McBryde will lead the trip.
Phillips said: "Rob Howley joins Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions coaching team with our best wishes as the Lions embark upon one of the toughest and most high-profile campaigns in the world game.
"Both coaches can only benefit from the coaching experiences available to them, and in turn, we know the Wales national squad set-up will be able to reap the rewards of that experience upon their return to us."
McBryde added: "The tour is an exciting opportunity for the squad. It is always an honour to represent your country, and to do so overseas carries with it extra responsibility.
"We will be facing two passionate rugby nations and it will be a huge challenge for the players, but an opportunity for them to show what they are able to do in the red jersey.
"As is natural in a Lions year, we will inevitably have some senior players missing, but our focus will very much be on discovering future potential alongside maintaining current standards and, hopefully, coming away with two good performances and wins."
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