Gatland returns on £580,000 a year.🏴🏉
It's no secret that Welsh rugby isn't exactly flush with cash at the moment. The four regions are currently locked in talks with the WRU over a new long-term funding deal and there is an embargo on offering players new contracts. But the WRU have pushed the boat out to land Gatland with one high ranking figure in Welsh rugby telling WalesOnline Gatland's new contract will cost the union £580,000 a year.
But the costs don't stop there with the WRU having to pay off the remainder of Wayne Pivac's contract, while also paying a release fee to the Super Rugby outfit the Chiefs where he held the position of director of rugby. What complicates matters is that Gatland may want to bring in his own backroom team, a decision which could be made after he consults with Wales' senior players. Pivac's assistant coaches consist of Stephen Jones (attack), Gethin Jenkins (defence), Jonathan Humphreys (forwards), and Neil Jenkins (kicking). Should Gatland opt to make further changes it would cost the WRU to get rid of the current coaching set-up and also bring in replacements. The same source told Wales Online that the total cost of getting rid of Pivac and appointing Gatland was in the region of £1 million.
Gatland remains a huge admirer of former assistant Howley, while it's known senior figures within the WRU are keen to get him back involved in Welsh rugby. Howley, who is currently Canada's assistant coach, was touted by some as the ideal candidate to take over the Dragons head coach role recently, which was eventually filled by Dai Flanagan
When does Gatland's contract start and what is his remit?
Gatland's contract will begin this month with the New Zealander's first test in charge the Six Nations opener against Ireland in February while he will also take Wales to the Rugby World Cup next autumn. The WRU have also confirmed Gatland's second spell as Wales coach could be extended through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Initially Gatland will undertake a hands on coaching role with Wales but there has been suggestions he could move upstairs to take on the position of director of rugby with a younger Welsh candidate assuming the role of head coach. WalesOnline understands Gatland will be at the forefront of an in depth review of the professional game in Wales, with the four regions struggling on and off the field of play.
What can we expect from Gatland in the short-term?
Under Wayne Pivac Wales failed to nail down one single style of play while he was never consistent with his selections. Sources in the camp suggest Wales were caught between the conservative approach of the Gatland era and the high-paced expansive style of rugby Pivac adopted at the Scarlets. Wales are likely to go back to basics under Gatland with an emphasis on the set-piece, winning the collisions, and a strong kicking game. There is only a matter of weeks before Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign leaving little room for Gatland to make any drastic tactical changes. He will likely simplify Wales' game-plan and be more consistent with his selections which is in contrast to Pivac's erratic selections
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Wales Online
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