Contrary to recent reports, Welsh coach Warren Gatland does not have a £1.2m buy-out clause in his contract, according to WalesOnline.
There was talk that the RFU were looking to pay a release fee to allow Gatland to take over from Stuart Lancaster as England coach following their group-stage exit from the World Cup, but Gatland’s deal, which lasts up to 2019, does not contain a buy-out clause.
WalesOnline have the following quotes from an unnamed figure at the WRU:
I can categorically tell you there is not a buy-out clause in the contract Warren put pen to with the WRU in December 2013.
Warren isn’t going anywhere – he’s as committed and passionate about Wales as he’s ever been and the 2015 World Cup was part of the big picture.
Most of the players who have done the country proud will be in the prime of their careers in four years time and the squad will be strengthened by the marvellous young talent which is pouring out of the country’s regional academies. There’s no reason why Wales can’t win the 2019 World Cup with Warren at the helm.
Gatland, who lead the British & Irish Lions in 2013, would be an obvious choice to succeed Lancaster if the RFU could get him, however that now looks very unlikely.
The RFU gave the coaching quartet of Lancaster, Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt six-year contract extensions in 2014 so if they do decide to remove them from their respective posts, it will cost them a hefty price in terms of compensation.
