From p32// Gatland’s family secret

Boys’ High School, Gatland spent one season with Waikato in 2015 before shifting to North Harbour for his provincial footy, where he starred this year as the Mitre 10 Cup’s top points scorer.

In Super Rugby, after being temporary injury cover at the Crusaders in early 2017, there were two seasons at the Blues and two at the Highlanders, but Gatland said it would be ‘‘a childhood dream come true’’ when he gets to pull the Chiefs jersey on.

‘‘Sometimes it’s just a different route you have to take in life,’’ he said.

‘‘I really enjoyed my time down south with the Highlanders – it was a great place to be, and great people and stuff – but being able to be back home was awesome.’’

Such is his tactical nous, expert goalkicking and ability to stand up in clutch moments – no better illustrated than that late drop goal which sunk his dad’s Chiefs in the first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa this year – Gatland will shape as the frontrunner for the No 10 jersey, but is under no illusions that he’ll walk in and command a start.

‘‘I’ve got to work hard and prove myself,’’ he said. ‘‘But I’m ready for that challenge.’’

While there will be one season with Dad not running the show, Gatland said he was also prepared for what would be a first for him, having never been coached by his father, even in the junior ranks.

The pair often exchange ideas when watching games together, but Gatland junior would like to think there’s no awkwardness when it does go a step further.

‘‘I’ve got no issues challenging him as a coach and he’s got no issues challenging me as a player, as it should be to help the team environment.’’