Warren Gatland is coming home
| Gatland inksfour-year deal with Gallagher Chiefs |
| Warren Gatland is the new Head Coach of the Gallagher Chiefs,the Chiefs Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby confirmed today. Gatland, currently coaching Wales through to the end of the Rugby WorldCup 2019, has inked a four-year deal with the Gallagher Chiefs. The former Waikato Rugby Union head coach and Chiefs Rugby Club technicaladvisor has been in charge of the Welsh national side since 2008. Gatlandhas been instrumental to the success of the Welsh national side during histenure with an impressive record of four Six Nations Titles, includingthree grand slams, the most recent in 2019. His ongoing successwith Wales led to his appointment as Head Coach of the British & IrishLions 2017 tour of New Zealand, where they drew the Series against the AllBlacks. Recently Gatland was announced as Head Coach for his third tourwith the side in 2021 to South Africa. Gatland said he wasgrateful for the chance to return home to New Zealand to coach a side hehas a strong connection to. “I am really excited aboutthe opportunity to come back home. The opportunity to come back as headcoach of the Gallagher Chiefs is something that I am really looking forwardto. The Gallagher Chiefs are well known for the success they’ve hadboth on and off the field and the really loyal support they have fromeveryone within the Chiefs region. I am excited to come backand be a part of the Chiefs community with the players, the fans, thesponsors, it’s something I really look forward to.” New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum welcomedGatland’s appointment. “This is an outstandingappointment and a coup for the Chiefs, for Investec Super Rugby and for thegame in New Zealand generally. We are excited to have a coach ofGats’ experience and international standing coming back into ourenvironment.” Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins isenthusiastic about the appointment; “Warren is a world-class coachwho boasts a proven track record. With a sound rugby background and hisdesire to return home to New Zealand and be involved in Super Rugbynaturally made him a top choice for the role.” “Like Warren we are excited for his return to the Chiefs Rugbyenvironment. He will continue to build on the work Colin Cooper and histeam management have achieved in maintaining a sustainable high-performanceenvironment for the Club,” said Collins. Gatland willreturn to New Zealand after he has completed his RWC2019 duties with Walesto begin his new role as Gallagher Chiefs head coach for the 2020 InvestecSuper Rugby season. His four-year deal to 2023 will include a break tocoach the British & Irish Lions in 2021. VIDEO: For a videoof Warren Gatland announcing his return to the Gallagher Chiefs click here. |
| Warren Gatland Following his playing career Gatland coached in Scotland and Ireland before being named coach of the Irish national side early in 1998 which he held to the end of 2001. Gatland then went onto coach London Wasps in 2002 and in early 2005 came back to New Zealand to coach Waikato to a national provincial championship. In December 2007 Gatland became head coach of Wales, winning the Grand Slam in his first season and leading Wales to their first victory at Twickenham in 20 years. Gatland guided Wales to the World Cup semi-final in 2011, before winning a second Grand Slam in 2012, a prelude to his appointment as Lions coach in September that year. Gatland has been instrumental to the success of the Welsh national side during his tenure with an impressive record of four Six Nations Titles, including three grand slams, the most recent in 2019. His ongoing success led to his appointment as head coach of the British and Irish Lions 2017 tour of New Zealand. Recently Gatland was announced as head coach for his third tour with the side in 2021 to South Africa. Warren David Gatland, OBE Born: 17 September 1963 in Hamilton Education: Hamilton Boys’ High and University of Waikato Playing Career: Position: Hooker Province: Waikato Waikato Caps: 140 All Blacks Tests: 17 All Blacks Test Points: 8pts (Two tries) All Black Number: 892 Coaching Career: 1994 – 1996: Thames Valley (Assistant Coach) 1996 – 1998: Connacht 1998 – 2001: Ireland 2002 – 2005: London Wasps 2005 – 2007: Waikato 2006 – 2007: Gallagher Chiefs (Technical Advisor) 2007 – 2019: Wales 2009: British and Irish Lions 2013, 2017,2021: British and Irish Lions |
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