Warren Gatland has ruled himself out of contention to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
Gatland also revealed he “hated the press and negativity” in New Zealand surrounding the Lions’ 10-match tour, which was highlighted by a drawn Test series against the world champion All Blacks earlier this year.
At one stage of the punishing six-week trip, the New Zealand Herald newspaper published a cartoon depicting Gatland as a clown, complete with red nose.
After serving as Lions head coach in Australia four years ago, winning the Test series 2-1, then holding New Zealand across three memorable games, New Zealander Gatland would be viewed in most quarters as a clear favourite to lead the 2021 South Africa tour.
But speaking to reporters on Monday, Wales boss Gatland said: “I’m done. I hated the tour. I did. I just hated the press and the negativity in New Zealand.
“When I look back on it now, there were a lot of things that were satisfying and what an achievement it was, but it was tough work. It was hard.”
Asked about potentially throwing his hat into the ring for South Africa, Gatland added: “I wouldn’t subject myself to that.
“What I’ve learned from my Lions’ experiences is how difficult it is to put some continuity together in terms of people and staff, and the lack of preparation time. Let someone else do it. Let someone else reinvent the wheel.”
Gatland’s Lions recovered from losing the opening Test to topple the All Blacks a week later in Wellington, before the Eden Park decider ended 15-15. It was the Lions’ second-most successful New Zealand mission in history.
“I think when you reflect back on it, it was some achievement. When you think of the quality of the opposition,” he added.
“Previous tours, you could go on a Lions tour and have a midweek game where you know you can back off a little bit and make some changes and the guys can still comfortably win the game. And that allows you to recover a little bit.
“But the quality on this tour was relentless. You had to make sure you did the best you could and preparing for the quality of opposition.
“There was something magical about the Lions – the games, how close they were, the intensity, the atmosphere of the crowds. That was special.”
Gatland confirmed he had submitted his post-tour report to Lions chiefs.
“I think the last six or seven reports from (lions) coaches have been exactly the same. They have been about preparation.
“South Africa is a little different because of the time zone – you can probably handle a little less preparation time – but Australia and New Zealand are different again.
“A minimum is having a week in the UK before you go, and then trying to arrive there a minimum of five days before the first game. That wouldn’t be ideal, but it would be adequate.”
Charlie Turner
Guest
Now you're being ridiculous CB2.
Jeffrey
Guest
I much rather listen to Veitch than to you, Jerry. You need to get some help, not me. I am capable of separating someone's professional views from the person's moral conduct, you obviously can't. I gather that you are an AB supporter. By your logic, you couldn't have supported the team while Julian Savea was in the team, as we all know how he behaved towards his missus. Yet I bet you supported them though.
Frank
Guest
So did Henry, and your current man Hansen if I remember correctly
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
6 then?
Taylorman
Guest
No, NHers remind us constantly of Hansen being the poorer coach, where they dont seem to think his experience from 2004 to 2017 might just have made him a better coach.
Derm
Roar Guru
Yep - agree with you on that one, Riccardo.
richard
Guest
No,he learnt that coaching in Ireland or Wales.Or maybe he learnt it riding the pine behind Sean Fitzpatrick for so many years. A serious character flaw in Gats.That is why I don't want him anywhere near the AB's ( he has ambition in that direction.But,if as rumored,he comes back to coach the Chiefs,they are welcome to him.An average coach,regardless of the recent Lions series).
Jerry
Guest
Nah, he's a piece of sh... and anyone who listens to him needs their head read. There's plenty of journos who haven't kicked the c__p out of a woman and showed little remorse.
Riccardo
Guest
Yeah, that was my impression too Pots. That he concurred with Sean's comment to a degree. Not the 3-0 scenario, which he diplomatically labeled as disrespectful to NZ Rugby, but the preparation time. And he takes responsibility, when it's probably not his. Did you hear him mention that NZ Press had suggested he focus on the weak link in the Barbarians, given the quick turn-around and jet-lag. That weak link? His son. I don't recall that personally and I'm not Gats' biggest fan but if it is the case it's nothing short of appalling. There is no doubt it's such a pressure-cooker role, especially coming down here . Add some ordinary officiating and relentless press angles and it's a wonder he can reflect with any objectivity at all. I actually thought he acquitted himself reasonably well.
Jerry
Guest
Gatland only managed 8, although he did it with a better side.
Rebellion
Guest
He was referring to the kiwi press. The kiwi press turned on him months earlier when he said ‘he felt embarrassed to be a New Zealander’ after the booing of Cooper and arrogance of fans at a Bledisloe year he attended the year before. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/01/all-blacks-gatland-warren-british-irish-lions-coach
Harry Jones
Expert
Seriously doubt I'd crumble from a clown picture and a win over the ABs and a snipe from a player
Redsfan1
Guest
To be fair Gatland has done a lot more with Wales then Steve Hansen did. Hansen lost 10 in a Ro with with Wales but that seems to be forgotten.
tamaolevao
Guest
Gatlands doesn't seem to fit the mould of all black coach as it's his decision to play out his coaching credentials in the media by having exclusive sit downs with the nz media telling his side of the story with a book launch to boot....... The irony is he so scared by his experience he had to tell us all about it ......../: He's just trying to hard and it seems forced on the nz public who hate this kind of In you're face pick me I'm the one campaigning..... Move along Warren let David Renie take the ABs forward
Sylvester
Guest
The Kiwi media did turn up the heat (after Gatland himself laid down the gauntlet early, to be fair). Probably no worse than attempts to undermine the ABs up north with the perennial "haka is an unfair advantage", "X player is a cheat", "Refs favour the ABs" yarns though. It does seem though that Gatland's main concern is the tough scheduling and peripheral issues like the injury replacement saga and post-tour commentary.
Henry Honey Balls
Guest
SOB probably shouldn't have said it alright as there is nothing to be gained from it especially re what he said about Howley. However, it should be noted that SOB is a farmer, he was at the ploughing championships at the time and a small local reporter came up to him and blind sided him the the questions during his off season when he was having down time. The ploughing championships is as far away as you can get from the glitz and glam of a Lions tour. I doubt he realised how much coverage his comments were going to get. I'm sure he will not make the same mistake again.
Council
Guest
Ouch... That's because in NZ when you dish it out, you're expected to be able to take it. On a more article related note.. The media went overboard no doubt, but this is the same no matter where in the world you are. Listening to talk back radio of course we expected a three nil victory, everything leading up to, and including the first 20 of the second test told the story of a Backwash. The behaviour of some people after the loss is the same as you will get anywhere too. NZ, Aus, SA, End etc etc fans. Most are amazing, some will be bitter, some will be tossers. It's always saddening and amusing to see the dislike and at times hateful and condescending manner in which certain posters refer to the nationality of other posters or teams. The Roar is a far poorer place for it.
deanB
Guest
No way I'm eating any of those baby Back ribs Ben. Had too much growth hormone cuzz.
Frank
Guest
Gatland for Wallabies coach? Then again would he want it..
Ben
Guest
Fear not Neil..no im not 12. I trust you arent either. I do know you're a hateful pom though. Good to see you and your fellow countrymen sticking together though..you must know exactly how Capt Cook felt when he first landed here ai..surrounded by all those uncouth NZ people.