Gareth Jenkins will lead Wales for the first time in Argentina

"I'm a proud Welshman at the moment. This is something which I have aspired to for a long, long time," he said.

"It is a job I would have been disappointed at not filling at some stage of my career.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of working with the Welsh players and I know there are huge challenges that lie ahead of us all."

Jenkins will now leave his post as director of rugby at Llanelli Scarlets to begin the task of preparing Wales for the 2007 World Cup.

The first task is a two-Test to Argentina this summer, with visits to Puerto Madryn and Buenos Aires in June.

"I can't wait to get started and I know that the clock is ticking towards my first international in Argentina in 45 days' time," Jenkins added.

"It is a new and exciting challenge for me and I am greatly looking forward to it as we build towards the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France."