Gatland looks to UK again

Warren Gatland has opened the door to return to a high-profile coaching position in Europe.

Gatland said he may look for a new position overseas when his contract with the Chiefs in New Zealand is up next summer, and has not ruled out a possible return to the United Kingdom.

The Lions head coach returned to New Zealand in 2020 after taking Wales to the semifinals of the World Cup in Japan, ending a glittering 12-year tenure that saw him win four Six Nations titles including three grand slams.

Gatland, who was granted a sabbatical from his role as director of rugby at the Chiefs to take the Lions to South Africa last summer, says he is keen to look for a new challenge, potentially in the UK again, having already coached in the Premiership with Wasps.

The decision is likely to lead to speculation linking him to the England job, as Eddie Jones is due to step down next year, or another international position following the World Cup in France next year.

‘‘I am contracted with the New Zealand Rugby Union for the next 12 months.

‘‘I have enjoyed my role as director of rugby with the Chiefs, working closely with the coaches and coaching the coaches and a hands-on role with the players,’’ said Gatland, who also coached Connacht and Ireland before joining Wasps, where he won three Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup.

‘‘After that I am probably going to look for another role overseas. I loved my time as a young coach in Ireland [with Connacht and then as head coach of the national side] and my time with Wasps and, of course, Wales.

‘‘It was pretty challenging but the people made it special for me in Wales. I could end up in the UK again.

‘‘I loved my time in the northern hemisphere, the friends that I made and I enjoyed the rugby. I have nothing concrete and haven’t had any conversations yet.’’