Warren Gatland will reject England, says Jamie Roberts
Thursday 22 October 2015 10:37, UK
Jamie Roberts expects Warren Gatland to reject any approach from England and remain as Wales head coach.
Gatland is among the contenders to replace Stuart Lancaster should he pay the price for England's poor World Cup campaign which saw them become the first host nation to fail to progress beyond the pool stage.
Roberts knows Gatland, 52, will be in demand after leading Wales to three Six Nations titles since taking charge in 2007, including two Grand Slams.
But the Wales and Lions centre told The Independent: "I know there are people who have linked him with the England job but I don't think he'll be going to England, particularly as he's got a contract with Wales that stretches until 2019.
"Warren Gatland has done an amazing job with the boys and there's a great familiarity there now. He's developed good relationships with the players and people respect him and what he brings to the table."
The futures of defence coach Shaun Edwards and attack coach Rob Howley are uncertain, but Roberts added: "As for Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley, I know their contracts are coming to an end but, hopefully, the coaching team remains the same for Wales.
"I've been very lucky in my career to have a settled coaching set-up. Rob was just earning his coaching spurs at the Cardiff Blues when I came through and he and Shaun are all I've ever known in the international set-up.
"Shaun has brought the best out of me as a player and a person, and anyone can see how crucial he's been to us as a defensive unit, while Rob is someone I look up to massively and who has helped guide my career for over a decade."
