Warren Gatland says he ‘hated’ British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand and won’t coach them again
Wales boss believes criticism from Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien took the gloss of the side’s achievements in drawn series
Warren Gatland has ruled out guiding the British & Irish Lions on another tour and said Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien’s criticism of the coaching during the drawn series in New Zealand had played a part in his decision.
O’Brien told Irish radio that overtraining before the first and the final tests against the All Blacks had cost the touring Lions the chance to win the series earlier this year. The series was drawn 1-1.
The comments were condemned by media pundits and former Lions players, and Gatland said they had taken a personal toll.
“I don’t know what planet he is on saying that,” the New Zealander said. “Those comments were disrespectful to New Zealand.
“You watch how hard the coaches and the back room staff worked – they worked their absolute nuts off – and then to have someone come out and make a comment like that … it really, really did hurt. I wouldn’t subject myself to that again. It took the gloss off the tour.”
Gatland conceded he would have done some things differently with the benefit of hindsight on a tour that he did not find at all enjoyable.
