Warren Gatland

Warren Gatland has established himself as one of rugby’s most respected and successful coaches, known for transforming national teams and leading multiple British & Irish Lions tours to significant achievements. After guiding London Wasps to an unprecedented three English Premiership titles (2003, 2004, 2005) and a Heineken Cup victory in 2004, Warren Gatland went on to establish himself as one of rugby’s most respected and successful international coaches. Prior to his significant success with Wasps, Gatland cultivated his coaching prowess through diverse roles. His playing career included 140 appearances for Waikato between 1986 and 1994, alongside 17 non-international matches for New Zealand from 1988 to 1991.

Beyond his national team duties, Gatland was instrumental with the British & Irish Lions, serving as an assistant coach in 2009 before being appointed head coach for three historic tours. He led the Lions to a series victory in Australia in 2013 and a memorable drawn series in New Zealand in 2017. Recognized for his contributions to the sport, Gatland was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2014 and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2020. He was also honored with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award in 2013, alongside the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year Award for his Lions squad.

His second tenure as head coach of Wales concluded mid-way through the 2025 Six Nations, marking the latest chapter in a distinguished coaching career defined by consistent success and transformative leadership across both club and international rugby.