Gatland can enhance that amazing CV further in 2021
The Rugby Paper|June 07, 2020
Brendan Gallagher continues his enthralling series by looking at the most impressive rugby coaches
Brendan Gallagher
Gatland can enhance that amazing CV further in 2021

1. Warren Gatland (Ireland, Wasps, Wales and Lions)

There have been bumps in the road but what a career. Three Premierships, a memorable Heineken Cup and a European Challenge Cup at underfunded Wasps, three Grand Slams with Wales, a Lions series win in Australia, and a shared series in New Zealand. He has also taken Wales to two World Cup semifinals.

After learning his coaching trade with Galwegians and Connacht and Thames Valley back in New Zealand, Gatland took over with Ireland after Brian Ashton was sacked. He blooded a young Brian O’Driscoll and oversaw famous wins against France and England but Ireland misfired at RWC1999. Ireland could be inconsistent but the curve was upwards so it was a surprise at the end of 2001 when he was sacked and assistant Eddie O’Sullivan promoted above him.

Gatland rebounded with four blistering seasons of success at Wasps with Shaun Edwards as his right-hand man which established his reputation and Wales, at a low ebb, turned to him after RWC2007. They never regretted that decision with three Slams and another Championship.

And the Lions? He observed and helped a little in 2005, aided Ian McGeehan on the 2009 tour, and then took full charge for 2013 making a controversial but important call for the last Test when he dropped O’Driscoll who everybody assumed would captain the team in place of the injured Sam Warburton. Four years later he nearly conjured a rare series win in New Zealand but had to settle for a drawn series. He will aim to add South Africa to his Lions scalps in 2021.

2. Sir Clive Woodward (England v Lions)

Denne historien er fra June 07, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 07, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE RUGBY PAPERSe alt
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
The Rugby Paper

Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash

LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
The Rugby Paper

Dramatic late win boosts leaders

A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
England need to be more consistent
The Rugby Paper

England need to be more consistent

I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
The Rugby Paper

Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver

ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
The Rugby Paper

Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions

TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
The Rugby Paper

Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot

LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
The Rugby Paper

Four-try David calls the shots for Bears

MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
The Rugby Paper

Scott-Young keen to follow his father

TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
When value for money is not part of the deal
The Rugby Paper

When value for money is not part of the deal

ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
The Rugby Paper

'I want to prove my worth to Bath'

OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024