​  3 hours agoFormer Wales coach Wayne Pivac is preparing to come out of “semi-retirement” and begin a new chapter when he travels to Italy next week to take charge of Benetton.Pivac, 63, was announced as the new boss of the United Rugby Championship (URC) side in March and will arrive in northern Italy from New Zealand to start pre-season preparations.It could have been very different for Pivac had his time as Wales coach worked out, but he paid the price for losing at home to Georgia in November 2022.A stint in Japan followed before he returned home to New Zealand where he admits his coaching career might have been over.But the Benetton opportunity arose and the well-travelled Kiwi has found himself back in the northern hemisphere.In the latest Scrum V podcast, Pivac has explained his decision to prolong his career, recounted how his Wales career finished and outlined why Welsh rugby could have looked a lot different if the Ospreys and Scarlets had merged in 2019.Welsh rugby’s ins, outs and re-signings for 2026-271 day agoUnited Rugby Championship unveil 2026-27 fixtures19 MayPivac and Patchell prepare for life in ItalyImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyPivac has signed a contract as first-team head coach with the Italian club until June 2028, with the option of two further seasons.”After Japan, we had come back to New Zealand with a view of just sort of semi-retiring,” said Pivac.”I’ve been helping the local club with coaching coaches and doing recruiting out of the schools, identifying the young talents, which I’ve enjoyed doing. “I said to my agent it’d have to be something special and a few clubs popped up which weren’t of interest.”Then the phone call came through that Benetton were interested in having a conversation. “We did that quickly, one Zoom led to another, and before you know it, we decided to accept an offer, so that’s where we’re heading.”Pivac has brought in former Scarlets and Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell as his attack coach.”I know Rhys pretty well and he has got a fantastic work ethic,” said Pivac.”We signed him from Cardiff and he was a big part of us winning the championship with the Scarlets in 2017 and that was a special time in Welsh regional rugby.”He understood the way we wanted to play and was able to execute what we wanted on the field and in training.”Pivac believes the duo will improve each other despite a 30-year age gap.”He’s going to make a very good coach,” said Pivac. “I know the Benetton people are excited about the one and only signing I’ve done to date, which is Rhys. “I am looking forward to helping him kickstart his coaching career.”For a young coach to be in with an older experienced coach, it’s a win-win. “He’ll keep me young and hopefully I’ll help him in the trying moments to relax and enjoy it for what it is.”Wistful Pivac to watch World Cup from afar31 August 2023Pivac disappointed not to realise World Cup dream16 January 2023What might have been for Wayne Pivac?Image source, Huw Evans Picture Age  BBC Sport