Welsh Rugby
Gatland mulls U20 challenge
ESPNscrum Staff
October 23, 2010
Wales coach Warren Gatland in relaxed mood, Ireland v Wales, Six Nations, Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland, March 13, 2010
Warren Gatland could become involved in the coaching of young Wales players © Getty Images
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Warren Gatland is considering whether to coach the Wales Under-20s during his five-month break from running the senior team in 2013.

Gatland's new four-year contract with the Welsh Rugby Union includes the provision for a junior management team to take Wales on their summer tour to Japan that year. The former All Blacks hooker is a leading candidate to coach the 2013 British and Irish Lions and his extended break coincides with their tour of Australia.

Although Gatland has not ruled out the possibility of being involved with the Lions again, he is also considering a role with the next generation of Wales stars at the Junior World Cup.

"The Lions did not form part of Warren's contract discussions," said a WRU spokesman. "He wanted the chance to spend some time back in New Zealand and he has mentioned the possibility of coaching the Under-20s while a younger coach takes the national team to Japan. It is part of Warren's plans for player and coaching development in Wales."

Gatland wants to be succeeded in 2015 by a Welshman. Last year Robin McBryde led Wales on tour to North America while Gatland worked as an assistant coach for the Lions in South Africa.

The fact Gatland is free of senior Wales commitments in the summer of 2013 smooths the way for him to be considered for the Lions head coach's job, although he remains under contract to the WRU. The Lions would have to agree a deal with the WRU for his official release - as they did in 2009 - if Gatland was to return to Lions duty.

Tour manager Andy Irvine said earlier this week it was unlikely any of the home nations coaches would be considered unless they could secure at least partial release from the 2013 Six Nations.

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