Former Wales coach Warren Gatland recently spilled the beans on why he has distanced himself from the prospect of coaching the All Blacks, despite his illustrious career. Speaking on The Dom Harvey Podcast, Gatland opened up about the pressures and expectations that eventually led to his resignation from the Wales position, following a disheartening string of losses. This candid revelation comes alongside his comments on the complex recruitment strategies of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which, according to him, have deterred many potential candidates, himself included.
Gatland's tenure with Wales had its highs and lows. After a series of triumphant victories, including three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals appearances, his career faced a downturn with a 14-game losing streak. This period of defeat culminated in his resignation after a disappointing start to the Six Nations. Reflecting on his decision, Gatland expressed, "Results and performances weren’t good enough, and I understand that, and there was just a huge amount of negativity out there. I kind of woke up one day and went, ‘Do I need this in my life?’"
Since stepping down, Gatland has not shied away from rugby but has instead engaged in various short-term projects, including a three-week consultancy in Uruguay. Despite the misleading headlines back in Wales, he viewed the stint as a chance to contribute back to the sport that shaped his career. "The game has been brilliant for me, here is an opportunity for me to give a little bit back," he stated during the podcast.
Discussing the All Blacks coaching role, Gatland revealed a nuanced behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, which influenced his decision to steer clear of the position.
"The thinking at the time was they might contact myself or they might contact eight or 10 other people, ‘We’ll put your name forward for the All Blacks position’. But it’s one of those where if anyone finds out you have put your name forward for the All Blacks and then you don’t get the role and then you go somewhere else, then it’s the All Blacks were my first choice and you’re only my second choice,"
he explained.
Although currently enjoying a sabbatical, Gatland remains open to future opportunities in rugby, suggesting a potential return to coaching when the right chance arises. "You have always got to keep your options open. That’s the thing… We’ll see what happens in terms of that," he concluded, hinting at more chapters to come in his storied rugby career.
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Former Wales coach Warren Gatland recently spilled the beans on why he has distanced himself from the prospect of coaching the All Blacks, despite his illustrious career. Speaking on The Dom Harvey Podcast, Gatland opened up about the pressures and expectations that eventually led to his resignation from the Wales position, following a disheartening string of losses. This candid revelation comes alongside his comments on the complex recruitment strategies of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which, according to him, have deterred many potential candidates, himself included.
Gatland's tenure with Wales had its highs and lows. After a series of triumphant victories, including three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals appearances, his career faced a downturn with a 14-game losing streak. This period of defeat culminated in his resignation after a disappointing start to the Six Nations. Reflecting on his decision, Gatland expressed, "Results and performances weren’t good enough, and I understand that, and there was just a huge amount of negativity out there. I kind of woke up one day and went, ‘Do I need this in my life?’"
Since stepping down, Gatland has not shied away from rugby but has instead engaged in various short-term projects, including a three-week consultancy in Uruguay. Despite the misleading headlines back in Wales, he viewed the stint as a chance to contribute back to the sport that shaped his career. "The game has been brilliant for me, here is an opportunity for me to give a little bit back," he stated during the podcast.
Discussing the All Blacks coaching role, Gatland revealed a nuanced behind-the-scenes look at the selection process, which influenced his decision to steer clear of the position.
"The thinking at the time was they might contact myself or they might contact eight or 10 other people, ‘We’ll put your name forward for the All Blacks position’. But it’s one of those where if anyone finds out you have put your name forward for the All Blacks and then you don’t get the role and then you go somewhere else, then it’s the All Blacks were my first choice and you’re only my second choice,"
he explained.Although currently enjoying a sabbatical, Gatland remains open to future opportunities in rugby, suggesting a potential return to coaching when the right chance arises. "You have always got to keep your options open. That’s the thing… We’ll see what happens in terms of that," he concluded, hinting at more chapters to come in his storied rugby career.