Warren Gatland is on the verge of a return to full-time coaching, with reports from Japan suggesting he has agreed to take the reins at a top-flight club.<\/p>\n
The 61-year-old Kiwi stepped down as Wales head coach during this year\u2019s Six Nations after a bruising run of 14 straight defeats in his second spell in charge. <\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Despite the tough ending, Gatland insisted he was \u201cnot done with coaching,\u201d openly eyeing another challenge before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n Since leaving the Welsh job, he\u2019s been keeping his hand in, taking an advisory role with Uruguayan side Pe\u00f1arol and helping them lift the Super Rugby Americas title in June. <\/p>\n Now, according to RugbyJP.com<\/a>, he\u2019s ready to dive back into the heat of club rugby, replacing former Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw.<\/p>\n Laidlaw\u2019s side endured a torrid return to the top flight, losing 15 of 18 league matches before clinging to survival via a relegation play-off. <\/p>\n Gatland, who coached Laidlaw on the 2017 Lions tour, is reportedly chosen from a list of international candidates \u2014 including a former Springbok \u2014 and will inherit a squad boasting Jasper Wiese, Samu Kerevi, and Israel Folau.<\/p>\n Gatland\u2019s last full-time club role came with the Chiefs in 2021.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group<\/p>\n The tournament\u2019s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of the\u00a0predicted groups\u00a0and\u00a0team bios\u00a0for the RWC 2027:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6\u00a0Group A<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Argentina\u00a0\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7 Samoa\u00a0\ud83c\uddfc\ud83c\uddf8 Tonga\u00a0\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf4 \ud83c\udf0d\u00a0Group B<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddff Scotland\u00a0\ud83c\udff4 Japan\u00a0\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Chile\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf1 CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.<\/p>\n
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they\u2019re known for big-game upsets.<\/p>\n
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa\u2019s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Ikale Tahi\u2019 bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.<\/p>\n
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction\u2014three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.<\/p>\n
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.<\/p>\n
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.<\/p>\n
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.<\/p>\n