Wales urged to retain coaching talent
WARREN Gatland has advised the Welsh Rugby Union to ensure the experience of his coaching staff isn’t lost to the game in Wales after 2019.
Head coach Gatland will leave his role following next year’s World Cup in Japan after 12 years in charge. It means the future of his assistant coaches Rob Howley, Shaun Edwards, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins remains unclear.
The WRU have identified a shortlist of candidates to succeed Gatland with Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac and Glasgow Warriors boss Dave Rennie understood to be among those being considered.
Whoever takes on the role is likely to bring in their own back-room staff, but Gatland believes it would be a great shame should the likes of Howley be lost to the game in Wales.
“Some of my coaches have done more games than I have, so it’s pleasing to see the development of them as coaches,” said Gatland.
“I would hate to see that experience, when we finish in 2019, lost to the game in Wales. You want to retain that experience because there’s an awful lot of knowledge in those coaches.”
Wales backs coach Howley has indicated he’s keen to explore a possible director of rugby position in either England or France as his next role.
Defence supremo Edwards last week said he’s ready to look into potential head coach positions, either in Rugby Union or League.
Former Wales internationals McBryde and Jenkins have been longstanding members of Gatland’s support team, but both face uncertainty over what they will do next.
All four would surely be assets to any of Wales’ four regions after long stints working at international level.
Gatland has been loyal to his trusted lieutenants, but believes his successor is likely to be a man from foreign soil. The 54-year-old’s fellow New Zealanders Pivac and Rennie are leading the way.
“There has been some pressure to shake the coaches up. It’s all very well saying shaking it up, but you have to find the right people to do that,” said Gatland. “These are good guys who you form a relationship with and trust, so it’s hard to do that sort of thing.”
Looking to the future, Gatland added: “The hardest thing is for a Welshman to coach Wales.
“As a nation it’s so tribal, people are seen as biased, and it’s hard for a Welshman to be seen as neutral or having the support of everyone from Wales.”