Gatland plays down coaching ABs
Warren Gatland says he has no burning desire to coach the All Blacks and that his coaching success will determine his future.
Gatland has immersed himself back into the New Zealand system at the Chiefs after a long and successful tenure with Wales that saw him become a longterm British and Irish Lions coach.
The prospect of the 56-year-old former All Blacks hooker taking charge of New Zealand’s national team is real, though he says it’s not on his plans.
‘‘I have never been one for planning my future. I’m a great believer in what will be will be and opportunities will come along,’’ Gatland, who has also coached Ireland, told former Scotland test player Jim Hamilton on the latest Rugby Pass podcast.
‘‘I’m not sitting here and thinking about what do I have to do over the next few years to be the All Black coach.
Definitely not. It’s a day-to-day thing and wherever you go, if you are successful then opportunities come along.
‘‘I have been lucky enough that I have been successful with teams in the past and if you are successful, then someone comes knocking on your door and it gives you an opportunity if you want to take an opportunity.
‘‘That is kind of the way I’m looking at that over the next few years. It’s not about wanting to be the All Black coach.’’
Gatland will take a break from Super Rugby next season to oversee the Lions tour of South Africa.
The All Blacks have appointed Ian Foster to take over from Steve Hansen, though it is only a two-year deal.
Gatland says he will let his coaching do the talking.
‘‘If I am successful then potentially other offers will come along, but it is definitely not a burning desire, it’s not a plan, a road that I am trying to take and how do I position myself to do it.’’