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Gatland's current contract runs out in 2015. David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images
future plans

Lewis confident of keeping Gatland, as Edwards' future in doubt

The Wales coach is likely to be in demand after he oversaw a number of impressive performances from his side at the Rugby World Cup.

WALES RUGBY UNION chief, Roger Lewis, has said he is confident Warren Gatland will remain as coach of the country.

Gatland is likely to be in high demand after he exceeded expectations by helping to bring a largely unfancied Welsh team to the semi-finals, before they endured a harsh defeat at the hands of France.

However, the New Zealand-born coach has a contract with Wales until 2015 and Lewis told BBC Sport’s Dan Roan that he was “confident that this group of people will stick together because they worked so hard to get to this position”.

Meanwhile, Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has admitted he does not know whether he will continue in his current role, saying “I’m not too sure what the future holds”.

Lewis was also reluctant to make any definitive statement on the matter. He said:

“I have to be very respectful here. Shaun’s principal, primary employer is Wasps.

“Four years ago I had a very long and protracted negotiation, an understandably difficult negotiation with Wasps to get Shaun on release to us. Because that is the relationship, he’s on release to us.”

Gatland has been Wales coach since 2007, while Edwards joined the regime in 2008.

For more information, visit the BBC Sport website>

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