Warren Gatland takes up surprise coaching role after quitting Wales - CONFIRMED

He will take up a short-term role with Uruguayan side, Peñarol Rugby over the next three weeks. This role will see him advise Peñarol coaching staff as the side competes in the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) play-off finals. 

The Montevideo based side became Uruguay’s first professional rugby club when founded in 2019 and are currently top of the SRA table. First reported by the El Observador, 61-year-old Gatland will advise head coach Ivo Dugonjic’s staff and squad as they look to claim the SRA title. 

It’s not just club rugby that Gatland will be helping with, as there is also reports that he will be a big part in Uruguay’s qualification hopes for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. 

Uruguay face Paraguay in August (23rd) , with the winner of that clash taking on either Chile or Brazil in a qualifying final, with a World Cup spot up for grabs.

Peñarol is the backbone of the National side with players playing for the capital city side and with Gatland’s expertise this could put Uruguay in a good position to qualify for their sixth World Cup.

Whilst Gatland is taking up this role with Peñarol, he will also be working for Sky Sports as part of the coverage for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

If rugby had royalty, Gareth Edwards would be first in line to the throne. The heartbeat of Wales’ golden era and a central figure in two iconic Lions tours — the series wins over the All Blacks in 1971 and Springboks in 1974 — the man was simply magic.

GATLAND SAID: “To me, he is probably the greatest halfback we've seen in the game. He was quick, intelligent and scored a lot of tries.”

DID YOU KNOW? In a 2003 Rugby World magazine poll of international players, Edwards was voted the greatest rugby player of all time. Not too shabby.

Forget soft fullbacks — JPR was a warrior in a No.15 shirt. He delivered a decisive drop goal against the All Blacks in 1971 (yes, really), and bulldozed his way through South Africa in 1974.

GATLAND SAID: “He was incredibly tough. Even though he was a fullback, he probably could’ve played in the forwards. He definitely put his body on the line.”

DID YOU KNOW? Off the pitch, he was slicing through more than defences — JPR was an orthopaedic surgeon after hanging up his boots.

You don’t get called BOD for nothing. The most dangerous centre of his generation, a born leader, and a player who elevated everyone around him. A Lions veteran whose omission in 2013 still stings fans today.

GATLAND SAID: “In his prime, he was absolutely outstanding in terms of his rugby knowledge and leadership. He made players around him look better than they were.”

DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is still the highest-scoring centre in international history, and sits 8th overall on the all-time try list.

When it came to leadership, Johnno didn’t just talk the talk — he smashed it. First man to captain the Lions twice, including that unforgettable 1997 series win in South Africa. The tour that made him? You bet.

GATLAND SAID: “An unbelievable leader. Probably the most competitive player I’ve ever come across. Very tough and loved a challenge.”

DID YOU KNOW? Toughness runs in the blood — Johnson’s great-grandfather was a professional wrestler.

When Lawrence spoke, you listened. When he led, you followed. One of the most commanding presences in the game, Dallaglio was the emotional pulse of any team he captained.

GATLAND SAID: “The best captain that I’ve ever been involved with was Lawrence Dallaglio. He could motivate players in a way I’ve never seen before. He talked the talk and walked the walk.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dallaglio is one of the few men to have won both the Rugby World Cup (1995) and the Sevens World Cup. Elite.

To make this a little bit more difficult, some of the more recent tours included multiple captains, with both needed to be named if you want to ace this Lions Tour quiz. You have six minutes to get all of your answers down, and your time starts... Now!