Rugby: Gatland issues world cup warning

Head coach Warren Gatland has warned Wales players plying their trade in England they face missing out on a World Cup spot due to Premier Rugby's "ridiculous" decision not to release them until August 4, the latest date allowed, next year.

"The major concern is we have had a letter from Premier Rugby saying players in England will not be released until August 4," said Gatland.

"That is completely ridiculous to say the players will finish in May but not be available for national squads until August, two days before we play England in our first warm-up game.

"It's going to limit players playing in England being available in terms of preparation or being available for the squad.

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"Picking this squad we have looked at this campaign and the Six Nations, and if a player playing across the bridge is unavailable until August 4 it is highly unlikely they will be considered for the World Cup squad."

Ryan Jones, who was Gatland's choice as captain when he took over in 2007, has only started one game so far this season after recovering from a leg injury he sustained during the second Test of the summer tour to New Zealand, and there have been question marks about his form over the course of the last two seasons.

"I think our concern about Ryan Jones has been the amount of matches he has had," Gatland said. "I watched him for the Ospreys on Friday night and he was outstanding, but he needs a couple more games and when we announce the squad for Australia we'll announce the captain.

"I don't see any reason why we need to move away from someone like Ryan as he has done a good job. But he needs another game and to keep working hard in that first couple of weeks.

"If we didn't pick him for the first game because he may be a bit underdone there are plenty of guys that can step up and do a job if, for example, Ryan was on the bench.

"We have been happy with Ryan, he looks sharp and lean. We would like to see him playing in the back row a little bit more than he has but we will make that call before we face Australia."

"It was a tough decision because of my family, I have teenage kids in New Zealand so that was the big pulling factor about going back to New Zealand. But having spoken to them and having looked at the potential of this squad, and how I have been accepted by the people of Wales has been fantastic.

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Rugby: Gatland waiting to be offered new Wales coaching contract

Warren Gatland last night said he has received no new contract offer to continue as Wales coach while revealing he is wanted by two other teams.

Gatland acknowledged he had been in talks with WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis but insisted he hadn’t received any concrete proposals.

“I have had criticism about my contract but it’s hard to make a decision when I have not got anything concrete in front of me. I can’t make a decision if I haven’t a contract in front of me. People have been telling me to make up my mind and asking me why I am stalling, but no-one has spoken about it before.”

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It is understood Super Rugby franchise Chiefs Gatland is from Hamilton where they play most of their home fixtures want him to succeed Ian Foster as their coach for the 2012 tournament. The Kiwi also has another offer on the table.

If Gatland wants to become coach of New Zealand he has to join Super Rugby as All Blacks’ regulations stipulate the successful candidate must be working in the southern hemisphere.

But he maintains he would like to continue at the Wales helm and take the team onto the 2015 World Cup in England.

“I think Wales is in a good state at the moment in terms of the participation agreement that is in place,” Gatland said recently.

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The shock twist over Gatland’s future came just three weeks after the former Ireland, London Wasps and Waikato boss revealed he had been talking to the WRU over a new deal.

“I have been talking to Roger Lewis and it is a case now of weighing up whether to stay or to make a personal, family decision to go back to New Zealand,” he said.

“As well as talking to Wales, I’ve had an approach from New Zealand about a position back there, so I am weighing up now whether to stay on or go back.”

Last month Lewis was adamant Gatland continues to be the right choice for Wales. But he acknowledged: “It’s not about performing, it’s about winning.”

Nevertheless, Lewis was adamant: “I think Warren Gatland is right for Wales. I have always believed that.

“We have not got to the position yet of asking Warren yes or no. This is a very complex decision based not only on the way we are developing professionally, but all of the personal circumstances involved as well.

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