Return: Warren Gatland is back for a second stint as Wales head coach
(Picture: Getty Images)Warren Gatland has refused to rule out coaching on a fifth British and Irish Lions tour in Australia in 2025.
Gatland has returned for a second stint as Wales boss, for a crack at the 2023 World Cup in France.
The 59-year-old could even stay until the 2027 World Cup under the terms of his new Wales Rugby Union (WRU) deal.
Vastly-experienced New Zealand coach Gatland was a Lions assistant in 2009, before taking the head coach role for the last three tours.
Gatland installed Ireland boss Andy Farrell as the current favourite to lead the Lions down under in 2025, but also refused to close the door on another stint with the famed tourists.
Asked if he would be available for the Lions in 2025 should he stay in Wales until 2027, Gatland replied: “To be honest I hadn’t even thought of that, I’m just thinking about the next 10 months.
“I’m well aware how important the Six Nations and the World Cup is for us to do well.
“Look, I’m not someone who plans my pathway, in terms of, I’m not thinking about the future and what’s going to happen. I’m a great believer in what will be will be, and if you’re in the right place at the right time then opportunities come along.
“And that’s how I’ve been lucky enough with my experiences with the Lions. And look, if you were picking a Lions coach at the moment, there’s only one person that I think’s in contention, and he’s across the water living in Dublin at the moment.
“And if you’re successful then those opportunities come along. So, I can promise you I’m not thinking about further than the next 10 months.”
Wales sacked Wayne Pivac after three wins in 12 Tests in a miserable 2022, quickly turning back to Gatland for a second stint from the Kiwi.
Gatland led Wales with distinction between 2007 and 2019, and despite a stint with Super Rugby’s Chiefs he was itching for another Test chance.
England were understood to have explored the chances of luring Gatland to replace Eddie Jones, but the RFU have settled on Steve Borthwick to take the Twickenham helm.
Wales unseated Pivac after a review of their testing autumn campaign, and at the end of a year including defeats by Italy and Georgia.
Gatland insisted no decisions have yet been made on the make-up of his backroom staff, but admitted there will be no room for sentiment amid some tough calls.
His former assistant coach Rob Howley has been touted for a return, with the ex-Wales scrum-half currently in the Canada set-up.
“I haven’t spoken to any of the coaches, there was a review process conducted by the union and I’m going through that process at the moment,” said Gatland.
“I’ve spoken to a number of people. I’m trying to draw conclusions from the discussion I’ve had about whether we stick with everyone or we if we make changes. That’s ongoing.
“It’s challenging for people and the roles they are in, but I’ve got to make sure we do the right thing and make the best decision for Wales and the team. That’s ongoing at the moment.”
