Warren Gatland dismisses premature end to his current contract with Welsh Rugby Union – Rugby News
Wales’ national Rugby Union team’s head coach, Warren Gatland, has categorically turned down any idea of bringing a premature end to his new contract with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). Gatland made his comments on Tuesday, October 18 as Wales continue their
preparation for their 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWCE) bronze medal encounter against the 2011 Tri Nations champions, Wallabies.
Wales will take on Wallabies on Friday, October 21 at Eden Park, Auckland.
Gatland has reaffirmed his commitment to see his current contract through with the WRU until the end of 2015. Earlier, in the week, segments of the media reported that the New Zealand born Gatland as one of the favourites for All Blacks coaching role. All
Blacks current coach, Graham Henry’s, tenure as All Blacks coach will end in a few weeks time.
Gatland added that he wants to coach All Blacks but this is not his priority now. He said, “I'll be honest, at some stage in your rugby career, as I'm a Kiwi, I'd like to come home and do a bit of coaching in New Zealand. But not at the moment and I have
made that commitment to Wales.”
Gatland has done impressive work with his Wales team, which has helped them to earn a place in the semi-finals of the 2011 RWC for the first time since the inaugural RWC tournament, which was played back in 1987.
Gatland has selected a relatively young side and developed them to gain the international honours. Commenting on the progress of the team, he added, “We feel like we've shown a lot of character, we feel like we've played some great rugby since we've been
here.”
Gatland has expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance in the RWC tournament. He added, “We'll leave here with our heads held high having earned a lot of respect.” He has announced his most experienced side for the crucial third position match
against Wallabies.
Earlier, Wales were beaten by the France 9 – 8 in the first semifinal of the 2011 RWC at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday, October 15.
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