AWJ backs Gatland

Alun Wyn Jones reckons Warren Gatland should return to British & Irish Lions duty for the 2017 tour of New Zealand. [more]

AWJ backs Gatland

Alun Wyn Jones reckons Warren Gatland should return to British & Irish Lions duty for the 2017 tour of New Zealand.

The Wales head coach guided the Lions to their first Test series triumph in 16 years during the recent tour of Australia.

And Jones, who captained the Lions to a 41-16 third Test victory to clinch the series, has backed Gatland to do the same job in four years time.

“Before the last game everyone was criticising him, saying that he had done the wrong thing with his selection, and now they are touting him for the next one,” said Jones.

“Can he do a good job? Definitely. He proved that when he gambled and it worked. I don’t know if it’s the Midas touch but whatever he does works.”

The triumphant trip Down Under was Jones’ second taste of action with the Lions but the Ospreys lock remains reluctant to eye a potential hat-trick.

It was a second Lions tour for Jones and he insists it is far too early to look ahead to a potential hat-trick.

“There are a lot of things to take into account for four years’ time,” added Jones. “How I’m playing, how my body is, where
I’m playing and what the situation is with family.

“I know I’ll only be 31 but a lot of water will have passed under the bridge by then. I like to look ahead but I don’t like to look that far ahead.”

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