Guernsey Press

'Rugby has special values' says Gatland

THE World Club may be still 10 months away, but you get the impression that as soon as the British & Irish Lions triumphed in Australia in the summer of 2013, Warren Gatland turned his mind to guiding Wales to international success in 2015.

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The New Zealander, who brought the Lions their first series success since 1997 with the 2-1 victory Down Under last year, makes no apologies for targeting the global tournament instead of simply aiming for results in the just concluded Autumn internationals followed by the Six Nations Championship next spring.

'I know people can question that, but the bottom line is the World Cup and when you are in a pool with England, Australia and Fiji as well as ourselves, it is a real pool of death, so it is important for us to focus on that and trying to qualify from it is our primary objective.'

However, while Gatland's main job is as Wales coach, this very approachable and affable man also acknowledges his role as an ambassador for his sport and he emphasised that rugby must make the most of heightened profile it will receive during the World Cup.

'Rugby is a game for life really and to keep kids out here playing is really important,' said the 51-year-old from Hamilton.

'But I'm a great believer that kids should get out there and get involved in sport – whatever sport that may be, it doesn't matter. It is great to see youngsters outside, enjoying themselves and getting so much out of sport and being part of a close-knit team.'

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