Wales give update on Gatland return

Wales are hopeful that head coach Warren Gatland will return in time to take charge for next week’s November international against Scotland.

Gatland travelled home to New Zealand earlier this week to be with his family following the death of his father, with the Welsh Rugby Union later offering their condolences via a news release.

Backs coach Rob Howley has been leading the squad in Gatland’s absence, while forwards coach Robin McBryde addressed the media to provide an update.

“We are still not sure when Warren will return, hopefully it will be ahead of the Scotland game. We will just see how that pans out,” said McBryde.

“Warren always stresses the importance of family and that comes first. That is the case in this instance.

“Our thoughts are with him and the family at this moment. It makes it that much harder being that far away from your family at times like this.

“We are just keen to crack on with the job. Warren has always been happy to discuss plans and make sure we are on the same page and happy for us [coaches] to take a lead on different occasions.

“Rob has stepped up and been in this position before so it has not affected us too much. We have always had the flexibility to change things on the hoof.”

Watch: Warren Gatland speaks about November international series