Gatland a tough act to follow
WALES are closing in on a successor to Warren Gatland, but they insist they will never have another head coach like the New Zealander.
Gatland, in charge since 2007, will leave after next year’s World Cup. Scarlets supremo Wayne Pivac and Glasgow’s Dave Rennie are in the running to take over.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips is also an fan of Crusaders boss Scott Robertson.
“We will get the coach done this summer,” Phillips said. “The shortlist is more than two and it’s the same one we’ve had for a while.
“It’s been a combination of interviewing, having meetings and going for dinner. We’ve still got some more of that to do and then we’ll make the call.”
Gatland has coached Wales 104 times and in total has been in charge of 148 Test matches. In that time he has won three Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams. He is the most experienced coach in Test rugby history and is also unbeaten in two series as Lions head coach.
“I don’t think I’ll see another coach in my lifetime who will go 10 years with one team,” Phillips said. “Given where rugby is, I think it would be unusual to say the least. I’m not sure anyone will match Warren’s legacy.”
Replacing Gatland – who led Wales to a 23-10 win over Argentina on Saturday – is Phillips’ main priority. Confirmation of the new coach is expected in the next few months.