Warren Gatland. Source: Associated Press
Former Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland has confirmed he has declined the chance to apply to be the next All Blacks coach.
Gatland told the Telegraph he was one of the 26 coaches approached by New Zealand Rugby to apply for the role but turned it down due to the other roles he’s already committed to.
Gatland is returning to New Zealand to take over the Chiefs next season before taking a year off to fulfill his other job in leading the British and Irish Lions for a third tour when they head to South Africa in 2021.
As such, Gatland thought accepting NZR’s offer wouldn’t serve a purpose.
However, he added that it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be interested in the job further down the track.
In the meantime, Gatland is looking forward to watching other candidates compete to be crowned Steve Hansen’s successor.
