A third successive Irish triumph in the Six Nations would have made Joe Schmidt the irresistible choice but Warren Gatland is going to lead the Lions to New Zealand.
A source within the English RFU called this tweet [below] the announcement before the announcement.
ICYMI: The Head Coach for the 2017 Tour of New Zealand will be announced on September 7https://t.co/47uq3GE0CL pic.twitter.com/tg5VM8Ezuk
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) August 22, 2016
Gatland was told, back in 2013, the job was his in four years’ time if he so desired. He so desires.
The various unions have known this for months. It is why Eddie Jones ruled himself out of the job in June and why Joe Schmidt did likewise in July [although he informed Lions officials in March].
Some began to draw conclusions when it was revealed the head coach would be revealed in Edinburgh but HSBC, the team’s primary sponsor, use the city as their UK headquarters. Vern Cotter or Gregor Townsend may yet form part of the backroom but it will be Gatland’s backroom team. Townsend remarked:
“I’m too old for playing, I think… All that [Lions talk] would be hypothetical I think. Being involved with Glasgow is going to take up all my time.”
Sources from other ‘home nation’ unions are not best pleased with what they see as a manufactured race for the Lions job. It has to see like a much coveted job but other national coaches can smell a foregone conclusion when they see one.
Asked if he was happy going to New Zealand, next summer, under Gatland, Welsh flanker Dan Lydiate tried not to give anything away.
“Well, it all depends whether you get picked, doesn’t it?
“His record speaks for itself – [South Africa forwards coach in] 2009 and obviously winning in Australia in 2013. He’s got good credentials but I guess you have to wait and see. No-one knows until it is announced…
“He has been there and done it. He knows what it takes to win a Test Series. Who knows? I’m not on the selection panel but it can’t have done him any worse for wear, with how they did in 2013 and how they conducted themselves in 2009.”
Who knows. Lots of people seem to have a pretty good idea.
Just act surprised when September 7 rolls around.
On the latest GAA Hour we look back at Mayo-Tipperary and chat to Andy Moran about his incredible, never-ending career. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
