Welsh fans fearing Warren Gatland is edging closer to the unthinkable

Rugby fans have given their opinion on Twitter over France’s decision to not appoint a foreign coach after the World Cup.

Amateur French clubs were allowed to vote as to whether the national team should appoint a non-French head coach for the first time, with Warren Gatland, Sir Clive Woodward and John Mitchell in the reckoning. However, 59% of those who voted opted against the idea.

In light of this decision by France, many rugby fans have criticised them, particularly as they were the favourites to land Warren Gatland after the World Cup. The New Zealander is due to leave his post as head coach of Wales at the end of the year after almost twelve years in charge. During his time with Wales, he has guided them to four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams, something that no other coach has done before, as well as guiding the British and Irish Lions to a series win in Australia and a draw in New Zealand. He is widely regarded as one of, if not the best manager in the world, and those on Twitter are exasperated by France’s decision.

Meanwhile, France are an utter shambles of a team currently, particularly given the immense amount of talent they have at their disposal. Their fourth place finish in the Six Nations flattered them, as Jacques Brunel looks incapable of getting the team to play anywhere near the potential many believe they are capable of.

The entire rugby world thought that Gatland would be the answer to France’s current woes, so to spurn the opportunity to have him as a coach has confused many.

This is what the fans are saying:

Of all fans, those from Wales have hit out at the French the most, as they clearly have the most experience of what Gatland is capable of. However, they are perhaps most fearful of what this means to their old enemy England.

With Gatland no longer, or very unlikely, to go to France, this opens the door for England to make an approach for him after the World Cup to replace Eddie Jones. It is unclear whether the Australian will stay in charge of England, and Gatland and Shaun Edwards have been on the radar of the RFU for a long time.

The prospect of Gatland teaming up with England and the resources they have is something that strikes fear into the hearts of many a Welsh fan, and France’s recent decision has only made that more of a reality.

This is what the fans have said: