Australian John Dixon has been named as Wales' new coach, with Iestyn Harris and Justin Morgan his assistants.
Australian gets Welsh job, joined by Harris and Morgan.
Wales have appointed Australian John Dixon as their new coach, with former player Iestyn Harris one of two assistants in the new coaching set-up.
Dixon will have dual-code international Harris and Hull KR coach Justin Morgan as his two assistants once he starts his new job.
Former Brisbane Broncos assistant Dixon has been in charge of the Celtic Crusaders for two years but now succeeds Martin Hall at the helm of the Welsh side.
Hall has paid for not getting Wales to this year's World Cup in Australia, and Wales Rugby League executive chairman Mark Rowley says Dixon is the best man for the job.
"We believe that John is the perfect man for the job," said Rowley.
"He is a first-class coach and his dedication to developing young Welsh talent is close to his heart. John also has the massive advantage of being based in Wales."
England test
Dixon will face fellow Australian Tony Smith in his first match in charge as Wales play England in Doncaster in October, a final warm-up for the hosts ahead of the World Cup.
Dixon will continue in his full-time role as coach of the Crusaders as well as taking up his new post, but he will be helped out by two experienced men.
Former Leeds Rhinos captain Harris won 25 rugby union caps for his country and also played in the Welsh rugby league side that reached both the 1995 and 2000 World Cup semi-finals.
Harris is currently in the last year of his contract with Bradford and has been linked with a move to the Crusaders if they are given a Super League license for 2009.
Whilst Harris has his first taste of coaching, he will join fellow former Wales international Morgan, who has quickly made a big name for himself on the touchline.
The Australian was the youngest man to coach in Super League, guided Toulouse to the Challenge Cup semis in 2005 and not only got Hull KR promoted in his first season but has now turned them into a play-off chasing outfit this year.
Another Australian, Anthony Seibold will be the new strength and conditioning coach, while another dual-code international completes the staff with former Wales and British Lions man John Devereux continuing as team manager.
"I'm delighted to be taking on the role as the Welsh national coach," said Dixon.
Development
"There are great developments going on in the game in Wales right now.
"Wales has had many past glories based on elite players but what I see for Wales now is rugby league growing at grass-roots level.
"We will hopefully have a Super League licence with Celtic Crusaders which creates a pathway for young Welsh players.
"The RFL's decision to have the home nations represented by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales on a permanent basis creates the opportunity to develop a Welsh identification that we can promote and take forward.
"I'm delighted to be working with the best possible coaching staff in Iestyn Harris, Justin Morgan, John Devereux and Anthony Seibold. They are all quality personnel and the experience that they will bring to the national side is immense.
"We're looking forward to taking on England in October and we understand the challenge that confronts us."
