Welsh fans are thrilled that Warren Gatland isn't going to England
Warren Gatland was revealed on Friday as the new Chiefs head coach from 2020, putting to an end months of speculation as to where his future lay.
The Wales boss has already agreed to take control of the British and Irish Lions for the third time in South Africa in 2021, but no one knew where he would be in the intermittent time.
It has now been revealed that he will spend a year with the Chiefs, take a year off to be with the Lions, and then return to the Super Rugby franchise in 2022 and 2023.
Many fans in the northern hemisphere were expecting Gatland to move to either England or France after the World Cup, tempted by the financial power that each one had.
With more resources and a greater pool of talent to choose from, many feared how powerful England or France would become with Gatland at the helm.
ANNOUNCEMENT | Warren Gatland has inked a four-year deal as Head Coach of the Gallagher Chiefs.
READ FULL STORY: https://t.co/iSagEgE8r1 pic.twitter.com/hRkfyoobcL
— Gallagher Chiefs (@ChiefsRugby) June 27, 2019
A grassroots referendum put an end to the French federation’s filtration with appointing a non-Frenchman as their national team’s boss.
And while the three-time Grand Slam winning coach subsequently ruled out the possibility of taking over from Eddie Jones in England after the World Cup, some thought that this was another case of his famed mind games.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byo1YxwALy2/
With Wales heading into the World Cup in September with a lot of momentum, the last thing they would have wanted was the news that their coach was moving to their fiercest rival next year.
However, this confirmed move to the Chiefs has quashed the fears that the New Zealander would be taking over at Twickenham after the World Cup.
It has left Welsh fans seemingly over the moon. This is what they have said:
Really really glad it’s not England
— You’re so fucking special (@GubbenEvans) June 27, 2019
Great delighted not going to England that would be kick in the teeth.
— TSH (@TSH2020nurse) June 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/capitalswanews/status/1144505217607712768?s=20
Let’s just be happy he’s not gonna turn up as England coach!
— Chris P. Cock (@steven_mcghee) June 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/ryanwill83/status/1144335307271233538?s=20
The thought of the great man going to England fills me with dread!! Please be true!
— paul curbishley (@curby235) June 27, 2019
France have been in disarray for a while but many believe that under the right coaching, they could become the most powerful side in world rugby. Gatland was touted as the man who could bring about a great French revival before the FFR referendum result.
Many Welsh fans could have lived with the idea of Gatland coaching France, but they could not abide the thought of him being in charge of England. They now feel pleasantly relieved.
WATCH: Colin Cooper and CEO Michael Collins front up to the media after the Chiefs head coach decided to step down from his role
Comments on RugbyPass
It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
7 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
7 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to comments