Shaun Edwards hails Warren Gatland – Rugby News Update
Warren Gatland, the head coach of Wales has been praised by the defence coach of Wales, Shaun Edwards, ahead of their summer tour to Australia, calling him one of the best coaches in the world.
Gatland was a prolific player in his playing days, making a record 140 appearances for Waikato, before making a mark as a coach in the northern hemisphere. He became the head coach of Wales in 2007, and Edwards has been with him since his appointment.
Recently Gatland broke both his ankles after falling off a ladder in New Zealand while on vacation. He recovers in New Zealand, while Wales have appointed Rob Howley as the interim coach for the matches against the Wallabies. Edwards has been in touch with
the incumbent and gave an update on the coach.
"I spoke to him the other day. Trudy his wife is monitoring the situation and we will see how he is closer to the time to be honest," Edwards told the BBC. "The most important thing is that Warren gets better and is fit and healthy and is able to walk around.
"For me is the best coach in the world and you are going to miss someone of that experience. Hopefully we can do him proud. You always want your boss around and you always want that experience around you."
However, Wales is not stopping the preparations and everything is going as planned. Rob Howley has taken up the challenge, which in turn will also groom him as a coach. Gatland’s current deal runs till 2015, which means that he will be in charge of the team
when the 2015 Rugby World Cup comes around.
Edwards has been given a new task lately as well. He will work once a day with the London Irish team but he has insisted that his first priority will be Wales, and a clause in his contract with the Exiles stipulates that he will work with the Premiership
club only once a week.
Gatland and Edwards have formed a formidable partnership as coaches working for the Welsh national team, picking up the prestigious Six Nations crown on the way. Edwards will hope that Gatland comes back to the dig out sooner rather than later.
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