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Some fans not convinced by Gatland's 'I won't coach England' vow

By Josh Raisey
Wales boss Warren Gatland used his latest Lions unveiling in London as the forum to claim he will never coach arch rivals England (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Ever since it was announced that Warren Gatland would be leaving his post as head coach of Wales after the World Cup later this year, his next destination has always been a topic of discussion.

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The New Zealander will be one of the most in-demand coaches on the planet, particularly after guiding Wales to their third Grand Slam under him earlier this year.

He had been hotly tipped to take over from Eddie Jones after the World Cup, should the Australian leave. However, after being revealed as the British and Irish Lions coach for the 2021 tour to South Africa, Gatland ruled himself out of contention with England.

Speaking with talkSPORT, the former Wasps boss told the Welsh fans “categorically” that he will not be coaching England.

However, some fans on Twitter are less convinced by this statement from Gatland and think it is impossible to rule anything out completely.

The financial power that the Rugby Football Union has will always mean that Gatland could be tempted to take over England at some point. After all, they did what it took to lure Eddie Jones to the role after the 2015 World Cup when he was due to take over the Stormers.

Gatland is also renowned for his mind games, which some feel could still make him a candidate. He is still Wales’ coach, and the last thing the players or the nation would want leading into a World Cup is their coach suggesting he will move to their greatest rivals.

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Therefore, for the sake of his team, Gatland’s statement on Wednesday was a wise choice even if it has not convinced everyone. This is what has been said:

It does seem likely that if Gatland were to take over England, it would probably not be after this World Cup as he is likely to take another year out in preparation of the Lions series.

However, the prospect of him taking charge after 2023 is not beyond the realms of possibility despite his comment at his latest Lions unveiling in London.

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Trevor 42 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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