1. Warren Gatland (Ireland, Wasps, Wales and Lions)
There have been bumps in the road but what a career. Three Premierships, a memorable Heineken Cup and a European Challenge Cup at underfunded Wasps, three Grand Slams with Wales, a Lions series win in Australia, and a shared series in New Zealand. He has also taken Wales to two World Cup semifinals.
After learning his coaching trade with Galwegians and Connacht and Thames Valley back in New Zealand, Gatland took over with Ireland after Brian Ashton was sacked. He blooded a young Brian O’Driscoll and oversaw famous wins against France and England but Ireland misfired at RWC1999. Ireland could be inconsistent but the curve was upwards so it was a surprise at the end of 2001 when he was sacked and assistant Eddie O’Sullivan promoted above him.
Gatland rebounded with four blistering seasons of success at Wasps with Shaun Edwards as his right-hand man which established his reputation and Wales, at a low ebb, turned to him after RWC2007. They never regretted that decision with three Slams and another Championship.
And the Lions? He observed and helped a little in 2005, aided Ian McGeehan on the 2009 tour, and then took full charge for 2013 making a controversial but important call for the last Test when he dropped O’Driscoll who everybody assumed would captain the team in place of the injured Sam Warburton. Four years later he nearly conjured a rare series win in New Zealand but had to settle for a drawn series. He will aim to add South Africa to his Lions scalps in 2021.
2. Sir Clive Woodward (England v Lions)
This story is from the June 07, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 07, 2020 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
