Talented Generation of Welsh Stars Mean Coach Could Stay

Wales coach New Zealander Warren Gatland, 50, has hinted he may stay with the “golden generation of stars” beyond the 2015 Rugby World Cup, according to WalesOnline.

Gatland’s current deal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) runs out at the end of the World Cup in two years time, after which he could move on to new challenges following another tilt at world glory.

But the coach said he would find it difficult to hand over the reins to someone else as a “special” generation of Welsh stars emerge on the international stage.

Gatland has already met with WRU chief Roger Lewis for initial discussions over his future, and his desire to be considered by the Lions once again in 2017 could also be a factor.

“Every now and again a generation of players come through that could do something special and I think at the moment we may have that opportunity,” Gatland said.

“I have been incredibly lucky for the last six years being here.”

Hamilton-born Gatland was head coach of the British and Irish Lions for their 2013 tour of Australia. As a player he held the record for most games played for Waikato.