Sunday 15 November 2015

Gatland Not Interested in England


Warren Gatland has dismissed reports claiming he might consider an approach to become Stuart Lancaster’s potential successor, saying: “I am not interested in the England job.”

The New Zealander, who is under contract with the Welsh Rugby Union until the 2019 World Cup, has led Wales to two Six Nations Grand Slams, plus World Cup semi-final and quarter-final appearances during his eight-year reign.

Reports had suggested that Gatland could listen to any Rugby Football Union overtures following Lancaster’s departure three days ago. But with his comment to WalesOnline he joins fellow New Zealanders Wayne Smith and Graham Henry in dismissing speculation linking him to the post.

As England continue to count the cost of failure in a home World Cup, the Observer reveals that none of the RFU members who see the findings into England’s campaign will receive a paper copy of the review, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the huge embarrassment when the inquiry into the flawed 2011 campaign was leaked to a newspaper.

On that occasion, Martin Johnson’s side reached the quarter-finals, and the leaked report included choice comments such as “players more interested in cash and caps”, “the man management was absolutely terrible” and “there wasn’t enough focus on basic skills”.

The 2015 review interviewed 59 people, including most of Lancaster’s squad, and all those questioned were assured their input would be confidential.


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