When and why did Byron Hayward leave Wales? What is his new role with Canada?
Get the latest news, analysis and interviews Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice  Former Wales defence coach Byron Hayward will be in the opposition ranks when Canada are the visitors to the Principality Stadium on Saturday, July 3. Hayward was part of Wayne Pivac's coaching setup but his contract was cut short after a lack of "chemistry", with Gethin Jenkins later taking over the defensive responsibilities. It adds an interesting sub-plot to the upcoming international. Here is a recap what happened during Hayward's time with Wales. Hayward left his role on November 8, 2020 - just days before the start of the Autumn Nations Cup. It came after the delayed 2020 Six Nations was completed, which saw Wales finish fifth with their only victory coming against Italy. It was their worst performance in the competition since 2007 as Wales conceded 16 tries, and the 98 points against them was the worst since 2010. Hayward had only taken on the role after the 2019 World Cup, succeeding Shaun Edwards, and had worked with Pivac at the Scarlets. He was the fifth high-profile departure at the WRU in less than a month at the time, following chief executive Martyn Phillips, chairman Gareth Davies, performance director Ryan Jones and technical coach Sam Warburton. The official announcement said the decision was made by mutual agreement. Pivac said: "I would like to thank Byron for all his hard work with Wales and thank him for his honesty in recent meetings. "I have worked alongside Byron for six and a half years, he is a dedicated coach that has had great success in his career. "On reflection of the last campaign it was mutually decided that the best way forward for Wales and for Byron is for him to step down from his role. "I, on behalf of the squad and management, would like to wish Byron all the best for the future." Hayward said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Wales and it was an honour to coach my country. "As I have always said from day one, the team comes first and upon reflection of the last campaign with Wayne we felt it was best for me to step aside. "When I took the role last year I wouldnt have planned to be leaving as the squad prepare to start the new international season. I believe it is the right decision for myself and the squad as they enter a new campaign. "I would like to wish Wayne and the squad all the best going forward and I will be fully supporting them." Ahead of Wales v Canada, Pivac said he was pleased Hayward has returned to coaching. "Yeah Im really pleased," he said. "Take the coaching side of it away and hes a good friend. "Hes worked really hard to be at the level of the game that he was operating at. It was well documented when he left that the chemistry just didnt work at that point in time with this group. "But you dont become a bad coach overnight and Byron has done very well in his coaching career. "I knew that he would bounce back from that, it was just about waiting for the right opportunity. "I think this is a good stepping stone for Byron to get back into full-time professional coaching." Hayward has been appointed to the role of technical adviser with Canada, who are currently 23rd in the World Rugby rankings. It is his first role since he left Wales. He has linked up with another former Wales international in Kingsley Jones, who is the Canada head coach. Former Wales scrum-half and coach Rob Howley is also an assistant in their setup. Jones said Hayward's appointment "allows me to step back and be a proper head coach".