Warren Gatland, who was Wales coach when the Celtic Tiger was in its final throes, confirmed today that he will be leaving the northern hemisphere once his Wales contract expires in 2019 and heading back to New Zealand.
Speaking to a radio station in New Zealand, Gatland said he will not be extending his coaching term in Wales after the next World Cup and trying to match Franklin D Roosevelt's 16-year term as US president.
I am here until 2019, the plan then is to come home for a period. If I am then involved in Super Rugby or provincial rugby then great, or I may have to go to the beach for six months or 12 months, put my feet up and take a break.
But that’s the plan. I have been away for long enough. I am 52 so hopefully I have plenty of years left coaching. But in 2019 the plan is definitely to come back to New Zealand.
Gatland, the most recent Lions coach, has again thrown his hat in the ring in a recent interview with Radio Sport in New Zealand, but he also said that Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is in with a legitimate shout.
Joe Schmidt has done a great job with Ireland and he’s someone they may look at.
Gatland also added that he probably couldn't turn down the Lions gig, however challenging of a proposition it is.
Whoever agreed that schedule from a Lions point of view...well, it’s crazy. I don’t see how you can win it.
You are playing five Super Rugby sides, New Zealand Maori, three Tests and another game (against a Provincial Union XV), all in a five-week period, it’s so tough.
If I got offered the opportunity it’s probably something I could not turn down.
