Warren Gatland expects to sign new deal with Wales
Welsh coach Warren Gatland expects to sign a new contract that will keep him in the position of coach beyond the World Cup.
After weighing his options, the New Zealander appears set to commit his future to Wales and sign a new contract before the autumn internationals.
Gatland had considered moving back to New Zealand to coach the Super 15 team, the Chiefs, and said, "I have to weigh it up with family pressure to return to New Zealand where they're quite keen to have their Dad home.”
But the Welsh coach has since admitted that he relishes his role with Wales.
"I have to say I've loved my time here, it's been fantastic. Testing at times and challenging, but that's part of international rugby. There's a big part of me that wants to stay."
Gatland has been in talks with the Welsh Rugby Union over the summer, and it is believed the new contract could keep the New Zealander in charge until the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
The 46-year-old said, "It's only fair for everyone that I make the decision over the next month."
Wales won a Grand Slam in their first season under Gatland in 2008, but their form has been indifferent since then.
The Welsh coach has overseen 28 internationals and has won 14 and lost 14.
Gatland remained upbeat about the future of Welsh rugby and said, "Potentially in 2015, Wales will only lose four or five players [from the current squad], perhaps Martyn Williams, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones and Lee Byrne.”
Gatland admitted that his challenge was to make Wales more competitive against the southern hemisphere sides.
Wales has only beaten Australia in Cardiff since Gatland took over, and the Welsh coach will be looking to change that during the internationals in November.
Gatland’s focus will then turn to the Six Nations Championship and the 2011 World Cup in his native country.
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