Warren Gatland has agreed to take charge of Wales - ending hope that England would parachute him to lead them to next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The vastly experienced New Zealander signed up for a return to the Principality after a review of Wales’ dreadful autumn led to the sacking of Wayne Pivac: “This is one of the toughest calls to make in sport,” said Steve Phillips, chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union. “But the review process has reached its conclusion and we have acted quickly and efficiently in the very best interests of our national team.”
Gatland had been spoken to by the Rugby Football Union who are today meeting with Eddie Jones amid reports that the Australian is already resigned to the sack. The Kiwi would have made an ideal stop-gap replacement through to the World Cup in France, not least to give Steve Borthwick time to prepare properly to take charge long-term.
