Jenkins supports Davies decision

Nigel Davies will coach Wales on a temporary basis

Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies has revealed he spoke to predecessor Gareth Jenkins before taking over the reins.

Davies will take charge for Wales against South Africa when the two sides compete for a new award, the Prince William Cup, in Cardiff on 24 November.

He was promoted from assistant coach to the top job after Jenkins was sacked as a result of Wales' World Cup exit.

"I have spoken to Gareth on a number of occasions and he is very supportive and understands my situation," he said.

Interview: Wales caretaker coach Nigel Davies

Interview: WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis

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"It was a very difficult decision to make because of my relationship with Gareth.

I am here to do a job for Wales for seven weeks and after that who knows? Nigel Davies

"I have a huge amount of respect and regard for Gareth and I think that unfortunately Welsh rugby has lost a great servant and someone who has a huge amount of knowledge.

"It gives us a great opportunity as coaches to prove ourselves - but it is not about how I feel, it is about doing the best for Wales and doing the best for these players.

"That's my focus for the next seven weeks."

Davies and assistants Rowland Phillips, Neil Jenkins and Robin McBryde are only likely to be in place for the next seven weeks.

The search for a new coach has already started, and it is likely the new man will want to bring in his own backroom staff.

Despite the uncertainty of his future, Davies says he is determined to give his all for the next few weeks, starting with preparing a team to play South Africa at the Millennium Stadium and ending with preparing a detailed portfolio for the new coach.

"I am here to do a job for Wales for seven weeks and after that who knows?" he said.

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"I have to prepare the team for South Africa as well prepare the dossier of information so that we can inform the new coach on where we feel we have gone wrong, and what we have done right."

The Prince William Cup is a celebration of 100 years of fixtures between Wales and South Africa.

It will be competed for whenever the two countries face each other outside of a World Cup.

Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis said: "We have enjoyed a hundred years of incredible rugby history with South Africa and it is fitting that we recognise this special relationship in a significant way going forward.

"Prince William has become a great friend of Welsh rugby and I know he fully appreciates how the sort of sporting rivalry we enjoy can help our peoples grow close and learn from each other in so many ways.

"November 24 will become a landmark day in the history of Welsh rugby and I know the people of Wales and South Africa will ensure it is a true day of celebration."