The former Waikato Rugby Union head coach and Chiefs Rugby Club technical advisor has been in charge of the Welsh national side since 2008. Gatland has been instrumental to the success of the Welsh national side during his tenure with an impressive record of four Six Nations Titles, including three grand slams, the most recent in 2019.
His ongoing success with Wales led to his appointment as Head Coach of the British & Irish Lions 2017 tour of New Zealand, where they drew the Series against the All Blacks. Recently Gatland was announced as Head Coach for his third tour with the side in 2021 to South Africa.
Gatland said he was grateful for the chance to return home to New Zealand to coach a side he has a strong connection to.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to come back home. The opportunity to come back as head coach of the Gallagher Chiefs is something that I am really looking forward to. The Gallagher Chiefs are well known for the success they’ve had both on and off the field and the really loyal support they have from everyone within the Chiefs region.
REACTION | Warren Gatland talks through his move to @ChiefsRugby in 2020.
FULL STORY ➡️ https://t.co/AnxOzx2AhL pic.twitter.com/aPHwuLUewB
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) 27 June 2019
I am excited to come back and be a part of the Chiefs community with the players, the fans, the sponsors, it’s something I really look forward to.”
New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum welcomed Gatland’s appointment.
“This is an outstanding appointment and a coup for the Chiefs, for Investec Super Rugby and for the game in New Zealand generally. We are excited to have a coach of Gats’ experience and international standing coming back into our environment.”
Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins is enthusiastic about the appointment; “Warren is a world-class coach who boasts a proven track record. With a sound rugby background and his desire to return home to New Zealand and be involved in Super Rugby naturally made him a top choice for the role.”
“Like Warren we are excited for his return to the Chiefs Rugby environment. He will continue to build on the work Colin Cooper and his team management have achieved in maintaining a sustainable high-performance environment for the Club,” said Collins.
Gatland will return to New Zealand after he has completed his RWC2019 duties with Wales to begin his new role as Gallagher Chiefs head coach for the 2020 Investec Super Rugby season. His four-year deal to 2023 will include a break to coach the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
Warren Gatland
Following his playing career Gatland coached in Scotland and Ireland before being named coach of the Irish national side early in 1998 which he held to the end of 2001. Gatland then went onto coach London Wasps in 2002 and in early 2005 came back to New Zealand to coach Waikato to a national provincial championship. In December 2007 Gatland became head coach of Wales, winning the Grand Slam in his first season and leading Wales to their first victory at Twickenham in 20 years. Gatland guided Wales to the World Cup semi-final in 2011, before winning a second Grand Slam in 2012, a prelude to his appointment as Lions coach in September that year.
Gatland has been instrumental to the success of the Welsh national side during his tenure with an impressive record of four Six Nations Titles, including three grand slams, the most recent in 2019. His ongoing success led to his appointment as head coach of the British and Irish Lions 2017 tour of New Zealand. Recently Gatland was announced as head coach for his third tour with the side in 2021 to South Africa.
Warren David Gatland, OBE
Born: 17 September 1963 in Hamilton
Education: Hamilton Boys’ High and University of Waikato
Playing Career:
Position: Hooker
Province: Waikato
Waikato Caps: 140
All Blacks Tests: 17
All Blacks Test Points: 8pts (Two tries)
All Black Number: 892
Coaching Career:
1994 – 1996: Thames Valley (Assistant Coach)
1996 – 1998: Connacht
1998 – 2001: Ireland
2002 – 2005: London Wasps
2005 – 2007: Waikato
2006 – 2007: Gallagher Chiefs (Technical Advisor)
2007 – 2019: Wales
2009: British and Irish Lions
2013, 2017,2021: British and Irish Lions
