Gatland set for more Wales talks

The search for the next Wales coach could enter a critical phase this weekend with Warren Gatland set to hold more talks with the Welsh Rugby Union.

The former Ireland and Wasps coach met WRU officials in his native New Zealand last month at the start of the Union's global search for a new coach.

But the 44-year-old is back in the UK to watch former charges Wasps play in the EDF Energy and Heineken Cups.

He will also find time to contemplate where his future lies.

Gatland is currently assistant at Super 14 team the Chiefs and is also in charge of the Waikato NPC side.

It is understood the WRU has yet to make a concrete offer to Gatland, but as and when it does the ball will be in the New Zealander's court.

Crusaders Robbie Deans has ruled himself out of the Wales job and Jake White's agent has all but done the same for South Africa's World Cup-winner.

Gatland would appear to be ahead in the WRU's pecking order of All Blacks assistant Steve Hansen and his boss at the Chiefs, Ian Foster.

The New Zealander, who has expressed an interest in the job, also appears to be more favoured than the four Welsh regional coaches.

Gatland coached Ireland for three years before being replaced by Eddie O'Sullivan in 2001 and later joined Wasps in 2002.

He enjoyed a highly successful spell as coach at the English side, leading them to three consecutive Guinness Premiership titles (2003, 2004 and 2005) and the Heineken Cup in 2004.

Gatland's New Zealand compatriots Hansen and Regan King, currently playing for Llanelli Scarlets, feel that he could do a decent job for Wales.

"He did a good job with Ireland," said Hansen, who coached Wales between 2002-4.

"He coached at Wasps and understands how the game is played in the northern hemisphere.

"I think there are a number of coaches who could do the job, it is just whether they are given the opportunity to do it."

King added: "Warren Gatland did great things at Wasps and also at Waikato so is a good contender."

Source: BBC Sport