Warren Gatland signs on with Wales

Warren Gatland will remain as Wales head coach until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after signing a new contract with the Welsh federation.
His current contract was due to expire at the end of the 2015 showdown but the Kiwi, who was named Coach of the Year at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year event last night, should become the coach in charge of the most Test match in the coming years.
The WRU also confirmed that if Gatland was required for the 2017 British Lions tour, they would grant him a sabbatical as they did last summer for the victorious tour of Australia.
He said: “I know the other major rugby nations take us seriously as opponents who can play excellent rugby and that inspires me to take this group of players even further.
“There is an incredible amount of hard work ahead but, with the backing of the WRU, the national squad now has the means to deliver what the Welsh public want.”
WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: “He has undoubtedly proved that he has the rugby expertise, the passion and the commitment to prepare and inspire our teams to play with the utmost skill and pride for the jersey.
“We now have a meticulous and professional coaching structure in place which Warren must take credit for creating.
“By signing him for a further four years we have ensured that the systems now in place will continue to develop for the future of the international game in Wales. The contract we have negotiated contains a significant element which is based on success and we are all working towards the same goal.”