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Lions fans concerned about Gatland's new Chiefs role
By Josh Raisey
Fans in the northern hemisphere have questioned the logistics of Warren Gatland’s new job after it was announced he will become the Chiefs’ new head coach from 2020,
Set to step down from his Wales role after the 2019 World Cup after 11 years in charge, the Kiwi has already been confirmed to lead the British and Irish Lions for the third time in South Africa in 2021. This means he will take a year out from coaching in Super Rugby and return in 2022.
However, questions have been asked as to how Gatland can remain committed to the Lions’ cause when he has nothing to do with northern hemisphere rugby.
Some fans have been quick to cite Gatland’s comments relating to Vern Cotter being part of his 2017 coaching team. Because Cotter moved to France with Montpellier, Gatland ruled him out, suggesting a coach should be based in the UK or Ireland.
Being the complete opposite side of the world has clearly not resonated well with these fans in light of those comments.
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Ever since Gatland was first appointed head coach of the Lions for the 2013 tour of Australia, fans from outside Wales feel their players are overlooked, particularly Scotland.
Being so alienated from northern hemisphere rugby will only make this worse, with some people feeling he will fall back even more on the Welsh players that he knows. This is what the fans have said:
As Gatland is set to take a year off from the Chiefs in 2021, as he did when he was with the Wales team, some have said that it is no different to his previous Lions coaching jobs.
However, many feel this is very different as Gatland was based entirely in the northern hemisphere for the previous two tours.
It meant that while he was with Wales he was still able to scout players. On the other hand, his access to the players that he wants to watch will be far more limited in 2020 while he is with the Chiefs.
Ultimately, it boils down to the tradition and values of the Lions, which some feel are being undermined with the coach being based in New Zealand.
Of course, there is nothing written to say where the head coach should be based, but there seems to be an unspoken rule amongst fans that they must be based in the UK or Ireland.
Then again, no one has ever disputed that Gatland is the best man for the job - and that is because he is one of the best coaches in the world.
WATCH: Warren Gatland expresses his delight at accepting his new role at the Chiefs
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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