Warren Gatland extends Wales contract
The Welsh Rugby Union has extended Warren Gatland’s contract for four years, which will see the New Zealander remain as the Welsh coach until the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
Gatland ended speculation regarding his future after signing a deal that committed him to Wales.
"It is a measure of how devoted I am to Wales that I want to stay," said the 47-year-old.
The Welsh coach had considered taking up a position with Super 15 side, the Waikato Chiefs, in New Zealand, due to personal reasons.
"I made no secret of the family reasons which have made me consider returning to the southern hemisphere."
The Welsh coach’s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. He had taken over as the coach of Wales in December 2007 and led the country to a Grand Slam in 2008.
Gatland admitted that there were a number of reasons that influenced his decision to extend his contract.
"I have chosen to stay in Wales because of my confidence in the players we have, the coaching structures we have developed and the succession plan of talent we now constantly update, all fully resourced and supported by the WRU...I am extremely proud of
the honour I have in taking Wales into the next two Rugby World Cups."
The Welsh Rugby Union chairman David Pickering believes that Gatland has improved the national side.
"He has made a huge and positive difference to the Wales team throughout his tenure so far and we know he will endeavour to build on that improvement in the years ahead."
Wales will go into the upcoming autumn internationals with confidence. The WRU believe that the stability with Gatland in charge will benefit the team’s chances for the 2011 World Cup.
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