Gatland Seals Welsh Future

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland has signed a new long-term contract to remain coach of the nation until after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The New Zealander who led the British and Irish Lions to historic success down-under this summer has committed to leading the Welsh in their next two World Cup campaigns with a further six years added to his contract.

The contract extension will take Gatland to a grand total of 12 years in the role – extending what is already a record stint as head coach in Wales’ history.

The 2013 UK Coach of the year guided Wales to the Six Nations Grand Slam back in 2008 after his appointment the year before, a feat he repeated in 2012, just a year after leading Wales to the World Cup semi-finals.

Gatland said: "I am proud and delighted to have been chosen by the Welsh Rugby Union to take charge of Wales teams for the next two Rugby World Cup tournaments.

"I have chosen to stay in Wales because of my confidence in the players we have, the coaching structures we have developed and the succession plan of talent we now constantly update."

Gatland added: "I know the other major rugby nations take us seriously as opponents who can play excellent rugby and that inspires me to take this group of players even further.

"There is an incredible amount of hard work ahead but, with the backing of the Welsh Rugby Union, the national squad now has the means to deliver what the Welsh public want.

"We have strong support systems, the international player pathway structure and the WRU National Centre of Excellence is a fantastic facility.

"Our best players now get developed within a totally professional structure and the backroom team we have in place boasts some of the best people around in their areas of expertise.

"I want to personally thank the WRU and the Welsh rugby public for the fantastic support the national squad enjoys and I aim to return the compliment by devoting all my professional energy to the success of our national team in the years ahead.

"I am looking forward to the challenge and I am extremely proud of the honour I have in taking Wales into the next two Rugby World Cups."

Gatland deserves the credit for installing a "meticulous and professional coaching structure", according to WRU chief executive Roger Lewis.

Lewis said it has taken more than a year for this new deal to come to fruition.

He said: "I am pleased and honoured to be able to announce that Warren Gatland will remain head coach of Wales until after the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

"He has undoubtedly proved that he has the rugby expertise, the passion and the commitment to prepare and inspire our teams to play with the utmost skill and pride for the jersey.

"We now have a meticulous and professional coaching structure in place which Warren must take credit for creating.

"By signing him for a further four years we have ensured that the systems now in place will continue to develop for the future of the international game in Wales.

"It is so important that we achieve continuity at the highest level which is why we have negotiated our Wales international touring fixture schedule right through until 2019.

"The contract we have negotiated contains a significant element which is based on success and we are all working towards the same goal.

"The continuity of excellence is a supremely important factor in the preparation and development of elite, international sports teams in this day and age.

"Of course we considered all the scenarios available, but it became increasingly and abundantly clear that the best option for Wales is Warren Gatland.

"The process which led to this moment began in earnest more than a year ago and it has taken an incredible amount of hard work and negotiation to make sure we got this right for Wales and for Warren.”

The 50-year-old former Ireland and Wasps coach has been touted as the front-runner to coach the British and Irish Lions for a second time in 2017.

The man himself has recently revealed to the press that he has a gentleman's agreement with Welsh Rugby Union boss Roger Lewis to be released if asked to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

Gatland said there is no clause written into his new contract that allows a sabbatical to coach the Lions.

But the series-winning 2013 Lions coach said WRU chief executive Roger Lewis has pledged to do "everything he can" to help Gatland lead the best of British in his native New Zealand in 2017.

Gatland handed the Wales reins to Robert Howley for the 2012 season, as he prepared for the Lions' 2013 tour to Australia.

And it looks likely the former Waikato hooker could do exactly the same in 2016.

Gatland said: "The contract this time is exactly the same as what I had last time.

"And I've spoken to Roger Lewis.

"If I had the opportunity to be involved again, that's going to be because of Wales being successful in the next couple of years.

"If my whole focus and contemplation is on Wales then if Wales are successful then you put yourself in the frame.

"Then after that it's potentially maybe the Lions approaching you, then it's negotiating release with the WRU.

"And that's exactly what happened in 2012 before the Lions this year.

"So nothing's changed with regard to that, and Roger's said to me even though there's not a release in my contract he will do everything he can to help support me, and to hopefully make it happen if I did happen to get offered that position again.

"But it's not something that I'm contemplating at the moment or thinking about, my whole focus is on Wales doing well.

"If Wales do well then potentially other opportunities open up."

Keen to be involved in a third Lions tour, Gatland said coaching Britain's top stars has a reciprocal benefit for his Wales job.

He said: "You're involved with other people, people come from different environments and it's always about the sharing of ideas.

"That's what's special about the Lions, and the chance to work with the top players in the Northern Hemisphere.

"It's incredibly stimulating for coaches and players, and everyone involved.

"And that's what you want to have a chance for, to be able to challenge yourself to be involved at the highest level.

"I've been very fortunate to have been involved in the last two tours, as assistant and then as head coach.

"So it is a stimulus that you look forward to, but you get a huge amount out of as well."

Gatland's new deal is a rare positive development for Welsh rugby amid unrest from the four regional sides still agitating to create a breakaway Anglo-Welsh league, and the continued exodus of top stars.