White has linked up with the national squad during their current pre-South Africa tour training week in Ireland and will work with current Wales conditioning coach Mark Bennett. 

White’s most recent role in Britain was at reigning Guinness Premiership champions Leicester. 

He has also worked with Bolton Wanderers Football Club and was part of Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions support staff in New Zealand three years ago. 

Gatland said: “I have worked with Craig at London Wasps and in Ireland, and I know the talent and dedication he will bring to his role with Wales will be of great benefit to the players.

“I am extremely pleased with Mark Bennett, and to have them both working on player-conditioning gives me total confidence that we now have the right balance going forward.”

White added: “Wales is a great rugby nation, and I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic coaching team and in particular to be working alongside such a highly-regarded fitness coach as Mark Bennett.

“Mark’s presence here was one of the reasons for me choosing to take on this role.

“We have been in touch on a professional basis many times over recent years, and I believe his skills, knowledge and experience will very much complement mine, and vice versa, as we work together towards a promising future.”