He has assembled his coaching and management team and put all his plans in place off the field but this week was about putting those plans on the field and starting the new journey.
That journey looks ahead to 2023 and whilst that isn’t totally in view for every rugby supporter the building blocks for the next world cup and next four-year cycle are very much underway.
That is why this week is so valuable. Yes, there is a great narrative around the game today with it being Wayne’s first match in charge and being up against his predecessor Warren but for Wayne and Wales there is more to it.
“This week has been hugely exciting and hugely important for us as a group,” he said.
“It has been an opportunity for us as a new squad and management to get together and to set the scene for what the future holds. We have set out the next four years looking at the long-term and the 2023 Rugby World Cup but also the short-term and the Six Nations Championship which is right around the corner.
“This week we have been able to get our hands on the players and bring them into camp for the first time. We have put some building blocks in place and that is invaluable time for us ahead of the Six Nations.
“There has been quite a lot of learnings for the squad this week, looking what we are trying to do and us providing some clarity but we have also stressed the enjoyment factor of being together for the first time and the excitement of not only this weekend but the future.
“This weekend itself is really exciting. The Barbarians are what rugby is all about. It is the fun element of the game and supporters should be looking forward to some good old fashioned running rugby and it should be an entertaining afternoon.
“It is fantastic to have a double header at the Stadium with Wales Women and it should be a great showcase of rugby.
“For our players it’s a chance to pull on the red jersey and perform in front of a big crowd in Cardiff and we want to play our part in the game and want our players to put their hands up future selection.
“We are excited about this as a coaching team as it is our first match in charge but it is also a special day for a few others in the Stadium too. It should be a great day for Warren to celebrate his time in Wales and for us too it is the last match for our team manager Alan Phillips who has been in the role nearly 18 years so it will be a big afternoon for him too!”
