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Warren Gatland plans to leaves Wales role after 2019 World Cup

Wales head coach Warren Gatland during the captain's run at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
Image: Warren Gatland is to call it a day with Wales in 2019

Warren Gatland has revealed he intends to step down from his position as Wales head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Wales' longest-serving boss took charge of the team in 2007, and has claimed two Six Nations Grand Slams during his tenure so far.

The former Wasps boss plans to return home to New Zealand in 2019, and could yet make a long-term bid to coach the All Blacks.

"I'm here until 2019 and the plan for me then is definitely to come home for a period," Gatland told New Zealand broadcaster Radio Sport.

Post-2019 definitely the plan is to come back home to New Zealand.
Warren Gatland

"If I was involved in provincial rugby or Super Rugby, that would be great, but if I'm not, I may have to go to the beach for six months or 12 months, put my feet up and take a bit of a break.

"That's the plan. I've been away for long enough. I'm 52, so hopefully I've got plenty more years left coaching.

"Post-2019 definitely the plan is to come back home to New Zealand."

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Gatland extended his current contract with Wales until after the 2019 World Cup when he signed a new deal in December 2013.

He remains in the running to coach the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand in 2017, having already secured dispensation from the Welsh Rugby Union to travel if asked.

Image: Gatland was in charge as the Lions triumphed in Australia in 2013

Gatland led the Lions to a 2-1 series victory over Australia in 2013, and is likely to be tasked with repeating that feat in New Zealand.

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