Wales head coach Warren Gatland hints at 2019 exit

Lions head coach Warren Gatland smiles after their victory during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at ANZ Stadium on July 6, 2013
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Wales head coach Warren Gatland admits that he is considering stepping down from the position after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Warren Gatland has suggested that he will leave his post as head coach of the Wales rugby union side in 2019.

The 52-year-old has been in charge since 2007, but the Kiwi has conceded that he is keen to return to his homeland following the conclusion of the next Rugby World Cup in Japan.

"I'm here until 2019 and the plan for me then is definitely to come home for a period," he told Radio Sport.

"If I was involved in provincial rugby or Super Rugby that would be great but, if I'm not, I may have to go to the beach for six months or 12 months, put my feet up and take a bit of a break. I've been away for long enough."

Under Gatland's watch, the Welsh have won the Six Nations title three times.

Fourie Du Preez of South Africa is congratulated by Bryan Habana of South Africa for scoring the winning try as Captain Sam Warburton of Wales looks dejected during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between South Africa and Wales at Twickenham
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