The Welsh Rugby Union board will meet today to draw up a shortlist of potential candidates to replace Gareth Jenkins as Wales head coach.

Jenkins was dismissed on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after Wales had been knocked out of the World Cup with a 38-34 defeat by Fiji.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis confirmed the union would be conducting a ''worldwide'' search for their fourth head coach in less than two years.

Lewis admitted the high turnover may put off some potential candidates but he is determined to put in place a four-year plan that will carry Wales through to the 2011 World Cup.

''That's why it's so important for us all to behave properly, in a measured way,'' Lewis explained.

''We must have in place a clear structure and strategy that will take us forward and that will be attractive to the very best.''

The likes of Nick Mallett, Eddie Jones, Warren Gatland, Scott Johnson and Robbie Deans were immediately trumpeted as potential targets.

Not all are realistic. Mallett, the former South Africa and Stade Francais coach, is close to being confirmed as the new head coach of Italy.

Johnson, who took over in a caretaker capacity when Mike Ruddock left during the 2006 Six Nations and is currently attack coach with Australia, was installed as an early favourite.

Martyn Williams has retired from international rugby following Wales' World Cup exit.

The 32-year-old flanker, who bows out with 76 caps, admitted he could not think of a worse way to finish his Test career.

''I just think it's the right time to step aside so that whoever comes in as coach can start afresh,'' Williams told the Western Mail.

''International rugby works in four-year cycles these days with the World Cup so now's the time to go.

''I've had 11 years and I have achieved way more than I thought I would.

''It's been an honour and a privilege to play for Wales. It's meant a hell of a lot to me but everything has to come to an end and that is me done now.

''It's not the way I would have wanted it to end. I couldn't think of a worse way for it to finish to be honest, but that is how the cards fall some times. I'd told the boys beforehand that I was finishing, so they knew that was the last one for me.''