Wales head coach Warren Gatland hints at 2019 exit

The 52-year-old has guided Wales to two Grand Slams and become the longest-serving coach in their history.

“I don’t see how you can win it. You are playing five Super Rugby sides, New Zealand Maori, three Tests and another game (against a Provincial Union XV), all in a five-week period, it’s so tough”.

Wales’ constant revolving injury door during the 2015 Rugby World Cup has made Warren Gatland’s men favourites to land next year’s Six Nations title, that’s according to absent full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

But when a door shuts another opens and those who came in for their injured comrades showed that the future of Welsh rugby is in safe hands with Lloyd Williams, Gareth Davies and Gareth Anscombe all impressing, while Dan Biggar stepped up to the plate in impressive fashion at fly-half.

He has told a radio station in New Zealand he wants to return home when his contract runs out in 2019.

The Wales coach masterminded the 2013 series win in Australia and admitted he could not refuse an offer to go for a second tour triumph against the double world champions.

“We had a few great support while we were away but we heard that this country was going pretty nuts on Sunday morning, and I’ve got to say coming back and seeing you all come out today, it’s just great. I’m 52, so hopefully I’ve got plenty more years left coaching”, he said. “Post-2019 definitely the plan is to come back home to New Zealand”.

He is in the frame to take charge of the 2017 tour of New Zealand, though he appeared to regard the opportunity with a few coolness, saying: “Whoever agreed that schedule from a Lions point of view… well, it’s insane”.

“Anderson said: “[New Zealand Rugby] have in the past taken a conservative approach to establishing new deals, cautious of the sense of ownership that many Kiwis feel for their national team.