Gatland can enhance that amazing CV further in 2021

Brendan Gallagher continues his enthralling series by looking at the most impressive rugby coaches

- Brendan Gallagher

1. Warren Gatland (Ireland, Wasps, Wales and Lions)

There have been bumps in the road but what a career. Three Premierships, a memorable Heineken Cup and a European Challenge Cup at underfunded Wasps, three Grand Slams with Wales, a Lions series win in Australia, and a shared series in New Zealand. He has also taken Wales to two World Cup semifinals.

After learning his coaching trade with Galwegians and Connacht and Thames Valley back in New Zealand, Gatland took over with Ireland after Brian Ashton was sacked. He blooded a young Brian O’Driscoll and oversaw famous wins against France and England but Ireland misfired at RWC1999. Ireland could be inconsistent but the curve was upwards so it was a surprise at the end of 2001 when he was sacked and assistant Eddie O’Sullivan promoted above him.

Gatland rebounded with four blistering seasons of success at Wasps with Shaun Edwards as his right-hand man which established his reputation and Wales, at a low ebb, turned to him after RWC2007. They never regretted that decision with three Slams and another Championship.

And the Lions? He observed and helped a little in 2005, aided Ian McGeehan on the 2009 tour, and then took full charge for 2013 making a controversial but important call for the last Test when he dropped O’Driscoll who everybody assumed would captain the team in place of the injured Sam Warburton. Four years later he nearly conjured a rare series win in New Zealand but had to settle for a drawn series. He will aim to add South Africa to his Lions scalps in 2021.

2. Sir Clive Woodward (England v Lions)