Wales: Robin McBryde addresses Warren Gatland reunion speculation
Leinster scrum coach Robin McBryde says that he has been in touch with Warren Gatland since his reappointment as Wales head coach.
McBryde has a long history working with Gatland at Wales and even worked with the New Zealander during the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
Addressing the rumours
The 52-year-old has been linked with a return to Wales, joining Gatland’s backroom staff, but he has poured cold water over the prospects.
When asked if Gatland had contacted him, McBryde responded swiftly, saying: “No… that was left field, that one, wasn’t it!”
“No, I’ve exchanged texts with him, wished him all the best, but that’s it.”
The pair worked together for 11 years while Gatland was in charge of Wales, winning three Six Nations Grand Slams and reaching the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup twice.
Backing Gatland to succeed
While McBryde shut down the prospect of him rejoining Gatland’s backroom staff, he did back his former boss to thrive in the role.
“I go back a long way with ‘Gats’. He’ll give them a shot in the arm, definitely. He’s more than comfortable with players and staff alike. Knowing ‘Gats’, he’ll have an effect, definitely, and you never know what he’s going to do next, really,” he said.
“I don’t know what his plan is going to be with regards to the existing staff there. I haven’t spoken to him about that detail, really.
“Listen, I don’t know the ins and outs of it, but I suppose, and he said it himself, there’s a lot on the line with regards to the legacy he left behind.”
Gatland’s first assignment will be the 2023 Six Nations tournament, with the opening match being a home clash with Ireland at the Principality Stadium.
READ MORE: Eddie Jones’ Wallabies return is a ‘no brainer’ says Morgan Turinui