So folks.... How would you feel if Gatland was given the Lions job?
I personally have strong feelings on the subject but i wont get in to it. I will only say that i don't think he is the right man for the job at all. He's done a great job with wales and i respect that but thats where he should stay.
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Warren Gatland has stated that he would consider joining the British & Irish Lions coaching ticket for 2013.
However, the Wales head coach has also insisted he will only take up a Lions role if gets approval from the Welsh Rugby Union.
Gatland, a member of Ian McGeechan's Lions coaching ticket for the 2009 of South Africa, has been mentioned as a potential coach for next year's tour of Australia.
"I would love to be involved with the Lions again if the opportunity came up," Gatland told Wales Online.
"South Africa was a wonderful rugby experience like no other. We went back to basics with an old-fashioned philosophy in a professional manner.
"It was a privilege to work with coaches and players from other nations and you learn so much.
"If I was involved in the same role as I did in South Africa under Ian McGeechan, there would not be a problem because someone else is head coach and in charge.
"One of the things the Lions would want from a head coach would be that person available for a certain period of time.
"That would mean the coach was not available for the 2013 Six Nations."
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Gatland expresses Lions interest...
posted on 9/1/12
My gut feel on this is that, as with the players, the coaches role should be to honour a coach or manager from the Lions nations. I know that might seem a little outdated, but thats my thoughts and on that basis I would rather like to see Shaun Edwards get the job.
Addtionally, as a bit of an "off the cuff" debate - how would people feel about a "Northern Hemisphere Lions" side including players from France and Italy? Personally I would rather like that - though I am favourably disposed towards France (though more on the basis of wine and cinema).
posted on 9/1/12
Hey SARS
Its an interesting thought but I dont think we will ever see a Northern Hemisphere Lions simply because the Lions has so much tradition and history, Its always been the Home nations and i guess thats the way it will stay.
If i were to choose a man from outside the Home nations i would go for Nick Mallet. Sean Edwards is good but for the Lions i think the best he could hope for would be a call up as assistant manager or some such role.
I do think Gatland is a good manager but not for the Lions because he has burned his bridges outside of wales. His predisposition to trash talking the opposition has alienated him from the players of the other home nations. Thus a lions campaign with him at the helm would be doomed to fail as his first job would be mending fences with most of his squad.
posted on 9/1/12
Agreed Ding...
Although Gatland would be undoubtably very popular with the Welse, I think his history with Ireland and his willingness to trash talk might lead to a divided camp.
posted on 9/1/12
Not just Ireland Leeds, but England just as much. Not saying he's a bad manager just that his mouth has done him no favours if he really wanted to be considered for the Lions post.
But stranger things have happened. He could well get it... but if he does it will be the beginning of the end. Th squad will have serious difficulties gelling together.
posted on 17/1/12
"Although Gatland would be undoubtably very popular with the Welsh"
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Not as popular as you might think. Not a lot of people (in Cardiff in particular) like him.