Kiwi Gatland returns to rugby with club role in Uruguay
Former Wales coach Warren Gatland has made an unexpected return to rugby union in Uruguay. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
Warren Gatland has taken up a position as an advisor at Uruguayan team Penarol in his first rugby job since leaving Wales during the Six Nations.
In a post on Instagram, Penarol said the 61-year-old New Zealander will support coach Ivo Dugonjic and "turn all his knowledge into the service of the team."
Gatland and the Welsh Rugby Union agreed to part ways in February, two games into the Six Nations, and end an unhappy second spell as the national coach after 14 months.
He previously led Wales from 2008-19, during which time he also became coach of the British and Irish Lions to cement his standing as one of the world's best.
Penarol play in the Super Rugby Americas.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
27 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Brumbies want Lions share of Wallabies selection
While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here." While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here." While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here."
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Glenn Maxwell announces retirement effective immediately
Glenn Maxwell has retired from One Day International cricket, effective immediately. The 36-year-old two-time World Cup winner bows out of the format after 3990 runs across 149 matches for Australia, but will continue to be available for T20I selection, and has not called time on his domestic franchise T20 career. After making his ODI debut on August 25, 2012, in Sharjah, Maxwell went on to have one of the most decorated careers in the history of the format. The allrounder was a consistent contributor with bat, ball and in the field, where he will be remembered for an endless highlights reel of boundary-line catches and inner-circle run-outs. But most memorable from his glittering ODI career will without doubt be the blinding double century he scored against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, an innings most have dubbed as the single greatest in the format's history. Needing a win to stay alive in the tournament and chasing 292 for victory, Maxwell came to the crease at 4-49 and saw three more wickets fall before the score reached triple figures, before skipper Pat Cummins joined him. Afghanistan could only watch as Glenn Maxwell hammered one of the great ODI World Cup innings. Credit: AAP What followed over the next 28.2 overs was some of the most freakishly brilliant hitting the game has ever seen; Maxwell carried Australia to victory with 3.1 overs to spare, and did so with full-body cramps that restricted his footwork at the crease to nothing. Topping it off as only Maxwell could, he hit a six to win the match and bring up his double century. Sharing his retirement news on The Final Word podcast with Adam Collins, who was the ghostwriter for his autobiography, Maxwell says it feels 'a bit strange' to be now called a former player. 'I think back to right at the start, I was obviously picked, I thought, ahead of my time and out of the blue, getting to play with some guys I used to watch on TV,' he said. 'I was just extremely proud to play a couple of games for Australia, and to be a part of a changeroom that won a series in the UAE against Pakistan, my first series. That was an extremely special moment, and I thought I was just going to have that and go back to domestic cricket and ply away at my trade and play plenty of first-class cricket and see if I could make it. 'But I've been able to go through the ups and downs of being dropped and brought back, played in some World Cups, been a part of some great teams. 'It's still a bit strange hearing that (I'm a former player), but I'm sure it will rest nicely soon.' Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins celebrate Australia's incredible World Cup win over Afghanistan at Wankhede Stadium. Credit: Getty Images Maxwell said the origins of the decision-making process date back to early in this year's Champions Trophy, where his body started to let him down. 'I felt like I gave myself a really good opportunity to be fit and ready for those games, and the first game in Lahore, we played on a rock-hard outfield, and post that game I was pretty sore,' he explained. '(Then) we were lucky enough to have a wash-out against South Africa where I had a bit more time to have a bit of rest and get myself ready for the next game. 'The following game against Afghanistan, we fielded for 50 overs on a really, really wet outfield — it was slippery, it was soft, and I just didn't pull up that well. 'I started to think about, if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body just probably struggles to get through that, and it feels like it's a tiring affair just to get through on the basics of almost surviving the 50 overs, let alone being at my best throughout that 50 overs, and then going out there and trying to perform with the bat as well. 'I felt like I was sort of letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions. 'I had a really good chat with George Bailey while we were in the rain delay and I just sort of asked him what his thoughts were going forward. 'We basically talked about the 2027 World Cup. I said to him right then and there, 'I don't think I'm going to make that, and I think it's time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and try and make that spot their own for the 2027 World Cup, and hopefully they get enough of a lead-in where they can have success in that role'.' Glenn Maxwell was a star in Australia's 2023 World Cup campaign. Credit: Alex Davidson-ICC / ICC via Getty Images The Australian white-ball great said he remained torn over the decision for some time, but knew deep down what the right call was. 'I've always said I wasn't going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play,' Maxwell said. 'I think even post that England game (in the Champions Trophy), I spoke to Vini, my wife, and said I feel like I can still play at this level, I still feel like I've got a lot to give — and I still truly meant that after that game. 'It was probably only after that Afghanistan game that I realised it was probably a bit far fetched to keep reaching for that next series and keep trying to build up and keep trying to almost hold on — I didn't want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons. 'I don't think that would help anyone, especially the team, when they're moving in such a clear direction at the moment. This gives them the best opportunity to have a look at what their best lineup looks like heading into that next World Cup. 'I know how important that planning is heading forward.' Explaining his intentions to play on in the 20-over format, Maxwell said he still has lots to give. 'The 20 overs is a perfect time where I feel like I'm able to keep my athleticism at a high level and still be able to create plays on the boundary and still help the team out in a way that I know I can,' he said. 'I just felt like in one-day cricket, my worth as a fielder was starting to dwindle in those last couple of overs because I didn't have the same pace, I didn't have the same spring, and I'm sure that there are guys that are going to be coming through that are going to be able to give that to the Australian side.' Maxwell was a key part of Australia's 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories, and hit the winning runs in the latter.
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
Brumbies want Lions share of Wallabies selection
While his own position in the Wallabies isn't assured, Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio is plumping for his Canberra teammates to dominate Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions. Lolesio is Australia's incumbent flyhalf, wearing the 10 jersey on all four Tests of last year's UK spring tour, but announced through the Super Rugby Pacific season he would departing the Brumbies to play club rugby in Japan. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has been coy on his selection thoughts, only saying players who have committed their future off-shore remain "in the mix". Making a successful return from a back injury last round, Lolesio told AAP he hadn't spoken recently to Schmidt, but would be "super stoked" to be named. The Brumbies are preparing to host the Hurricanes on Saturday night in a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final after finishing third on a congested ladder. The Reds placed fifth and will take on the second-ranked Crusaders while NSW Waratahs (eighth) and Western Force (ninth) missed the finals. Before the Lions toured in 2001 the Brumbies won the then Super 12 competition, and had 13 players selected in the 31-man Wallabies squad, which went on to win the series 2-1. Given the ACT outfit are again Australia's top team, Lolesio would like to see his teammates recognised. "Super Rugby is basically a trial for higher honours and I believe whoever is the best team in their country, whoever finishes on top in the country should have the majority of the players earn higher honours," Lolesio said. "We've got a lot of talent all over Australia and each team has been very competitive compared to previous years ... but I'd love to see heaps of Brumbies boys make it." The Wallabies only play one Test - on July 6 against Fiji - before taking on the might of the northern hemisphere so Lolesio felt using team combinations would be smart. His sentiments were backed Brumbies teammate and incumbent Wallabies fullback Tom Wright. "In a team sport, that cohesion, it's definitely something that would go a long way," Wright told AAP. "I feel like naturally, the team that's able to progress through the year as far as we can, hopefully we're represented well in the gold jersey and that's a great indication of guys how hard they've worked in our Brumbies jersey all year." Ten-Test Tom Hooper is one of the form forwards in the competition, but like Lolesio, is also leaving Canberra, headed to the UK to play for Exeter. While they suffered a late loss against the Crusaders in the final round, Hooper said the Brumbies were unquestionably Australia's "winningest" side and hoped that counted for himself and his teammates. "I think that a winning culture is really important and it's something that we've worked really hard to develop here for a long time," the 24-year-old told AAP. "Whether it's myself or it's another 15 of my teammates, I'd just be so stoked to see some Brumbies boys in the squad because we do understand how to win games and we're a great team down here."
