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Warren Gatland involved in wild changing room celebrations as new team clinch title in nail-biter
Warren Gatland involved in wild changing room celebrations as new team clinch title in nail-biter
It was a short-lived but successful stint in South America for Warren Gatland.
Warren Gatland pours a beer in to the Super Rugby Americas trophy.
(Image: Peñarol Press )
Warren Gatland got stuck into the celebrations with new team Penarol after they clinched the Super Rugby Americas title.
The former Wales rugby boss joined the Uruguayan outfit in late May in an advisory role. Gatland endured a tough Six Nations campaign with Wales, which ultimately led to him stepping down in the middle of the tournament.
His stay in South America has ended positively, though, with Penarol defeating Dogos XV 35-34. Having lost 14 international matches in a row with Wales, the success in Uruguay comes as a welcome change for the Kiwi coach.
Penarol have posted photos and videos from their wild changing room celebrations, with players posing with the trophy as they savoured their glory.
Gatland himself was pictured with forwards coach Conrado Gonzalez, with the pair beaming after the one-point victory. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Gatland is pictured with Penarol forwards coach Conrado Gonzalez.
(Image: Peñarol Press )
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Penarol posted a comical edit of the hit film 'The Hangover', which encapsulated their changing room antics. You can watch that below.
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It marked the third title win for the Uruguayan outfit since the competition was established in 2021. On the last two occasions they have won the title, they have beaten Argentina side Dogos.
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With the 2027 World Cup just two years away, the title win, along with Gatland's involvement, will help boost the profile of Uruguay as a rugby nation.
At the 2023 World Cup, Los Teros became fan favourites along with Portugal, and will hope to make another big impact at the next tournament.
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There is no doubt Gatland's involvement will have a lasting impact on Uruguayan rugby, although it remains to be seen whether he will continue his association with them in the future.
Speaking ahead of the final a few weeks ago, Gatland revealed how he became involved with the club.
"I spoke to a good friend of mine, Craig White," began Gatland. "Who was with Uruguay in a couple of World Cups, and he said: 'you'll have a fantastic time and the people will look after you and they're incredibly friendly and very hospitable'.
"So I'm excited to be here and I'm looking forward to it. I've been lucky enough to play Uruguay in a few World Cups and so it's good to be here with Penarol, and having a look at how rugby's come on in Uruguay over a number of years."
Now that his role with Penarol has come to an end, Gatland's expertise will now be lent to Sky Sports ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
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The former Lions boss is part of a stellar line-up that includes Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara, Wales heroes Dan Biggar and Sam Warburton, along with Will Greenwood, Kyle Sinckler, John Barclay, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Nolli Waterman and Anthony Watson, as well as Sir Ian McGeechan.
The first Lions game is Friday, June 20, against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Kick-off is at 8pm.
