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Warren Gatland to honour remainder of Wales contract

Wales head coach Warren Gatland insists that he has no intention of stepping down from his position next year, despite reports to the contrary at the weekend.

Warren Gatland has rubbished suggestions that he plans on stepping down as Wales head coach next summer following the conclusion of the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand.

It was claimed by the Daily Mail that the 53-year-old wanted to bring an end to his decade-long stint in charge of the Red Dragons and instead remain in his homeland.

Gatland has insisted that there is no truth to the rumours, however, and the former Chiefs adviser instead intends to honour the remainder of his current Wales deal, which is due to expire at the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

"The Chiefs spoke to me about three months ago but I told them it was a non-starter until my contract runs out with Wales," he told Wales Online. "I told the Chiefs I would be interested after 2019 but there's no way I would leave Wales or the Lions now."

Gatland recently named his coaching staff for the Lions' three-Test series with New Zealand, but admitted to being unhappy over Gregor Townsend's decision to snub a backroom role.

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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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