Wayne Pivac Lands Benetton Job, South African Coaches Miss Out
Published: March 3, 2026
Pivac Returns to the URC with Benetton
Former Wales and Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac will take the helm at United Rugby Championship (URC) side Benetton next season. The 63-year-old New Zealander has signed a contract through June 2028, with an option for a further two seasons.
This move marks a return to the URC for Pivac, who previously led the Scarlets to the 2017 Pro12 title. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, I couldn’t say no to the opportunity to coach Benetton after facing them in Treviso with the Scarlets. I enjoyed every trip: the matches, the stadium, the people and the Italian lifestyle.
Pivac’s tenure as Wales coach saw him achieve a Six Nations title in 2021, but he was later replaced by Warren Gatland in 2022. Prior to his time with Wales, he similarly coached Fiji for three years and most recently worked with NEC Green Rockets in Japan.
Competition for the Role
Pivac’s appointment came after a competitive selection process. According to reports, former Springboks head coach Jake White was also linked to the position, as was Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl. Benetton opted for Pivac’s experience and vision.
Benetton’s Current Standing
Benetton currently sits 13th in the URC standings, following a 15-15 draw against the Dragons on February 28th. Pivac will be tasked with elevating the team’s performance and building on the work of previous coaches.
Looking Ahead
Pivac is eager to take on the challenge, saying, The challenge of taking the team to the next level and giving continuity to the work done by previous coaches is exciting.
He also highlighted his desire to work with Italian talent and contribute to their development.
FAQ
- Who is Wayne Pivac? A New Zealander coach who has previously coached Wales, Fiji, Scarlets, and NEC Green Rockets.
- What is Pivac’s contract length with Benetton? His contract runs until June 30, 2028, with an option for a two-year extension.
- Who else was considered for the Benetton coaching role? Jake White and Corniel van Zyl were also linked to the position.