Oh feck me...

[Sandydragon]

... Howley is the Lions attack coach.

Clearly rewarded for the sterling work in crafting such an unstoppable attacking platform during recent internationals.

On the bright side, it means we get rid of him for a few months during whatever tour we have planned to coincide with the Lions.

[stud muffin]

I'm assuming it because Townsend said no. It cant be for what he brings to the party!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38172413

[Sandydragon]

I'm assuming it because Townsend said no. It cant be for what he brings to the party!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38172413

Aye. Qualifications:

Have a pulse. Check.
No other options. Check.

[stud muffin]

Joe Schmidt has also declined apparently. Funny that no one wants to be tarred with a certain brush except Howler.

[whatisthejava]

And Eddie Jones ruled himself out

Perhaps I'm wearing a tin. foil hat but I reckon the other coaches told him to take a hike as its Gatland and he much be a prick and no matter what happens the third test will be Wales + random Irish + random English against

[Lizard]

Howley? Attack?

No. Does not compute.

Are you sure?

[wayneha50]

Unbelievable but I'm impressed at least other coaches seem to prioritise their own nations over the Lions, shame we cannot have coaches like this*

*or indeed good ones

[Sandydragon]

Unbelievable but I'm impressed at least other coaches seem to prioritise their own nations over the Lions, shame we cannot have coaches like this*

*or indeed good ones

I suspect that the main reason for the others not taking part is the desire to prioritise the day job. Fair play.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Joe Schmidt has also declined apparently. Funny that no one wants to be tarred with a certain brush except Howler.

There's no way that Schmidt would accept a position as Gatland's underling. Especially on a tour where we get schooled by NZ.

[Numbers]

So who was the attack coach last time round, oh yeah..

[morepork]

Is WG poisonous or what's the story?

No one wants to work with David Brent.

david_brent.jpg

_62673825_gatlandgetty.jpg

[Eugene Wrayburn]

He's poisonous. I can't imagine any chance that Schmidt would accept a job as an underling to Gatland. If the Lions management had wanted him then they should have appointed him head coach and I expect he'd have thought about it and the IRFU would have been happy enough. Personally I don't think Schmidt is a good fit for the Lions because he likes people to get his method so tends to be loyal to those who he knows.

[OptimisticJock]

Unbelievable but I'm impressed at least other coaches seem to prioritise their own nations over the Lions, shame we cannot have coaches like this*

*or indeed good ones

I suspect that the main reason for the others not taking part is the desire to prioritise the day job. Fair play.

Be pretty poor form from Toonie and the SRU if he buggered off to get pumped from the ABs with Gatland after not giving VC a new contract and Toonie just taking up the post.

[Sandydragon]

He's poisonous. I can't imagine any chance that Schmidt would accept a job as an underling to Gatland. If the Lions management had wanted him then they should have appointed him head coach and I expect he'd have thought about it and the IRFU would have been happy enough. Personally I don't think Schmidt is a good fit for the Lions because he likes people to get his method so tends to be loyal to those who he knows.

I saw that view expressed elsewhere, with Gatland and Eddie Jones highlighted for their simplistic approach to rugby (vs Schmidt) as the simpler game plan was easier to impelemt in a shorter timeframe with a mix of players who weren't used to playing together.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

He's poisonous. I can't imagine any chance that Schmidt would accept a job as an underling to Gatland. If the Lions management had wanted him then they should have appointed him head coach and I expect he'd have thought about it and the IRFU would have been happy enough. Personally I don't think Schmidt is a good fit for the Lions because he likes people to get his method so tends to be loyal to those who he knows.

I saw that view expressed elsewhere, with Gatland and Eddie Jones highlighted for their simplistic approach to rugby (vs Schmidt) as the simpler game plan was easier to impelemt in a shorter timeframe with a mix of players who weren't used to playing together.

I wouldn't lump Jones and Gatland together. Jones quickly assesses his players and finds a gameplan to fit them but his plan varies according to his players.

[Son of Mathonwy]

He's poisonous. I can't imagine any chance that Schmidt would accept a job as an underling to Gatland. If the Lions management had wanted him then they should have appointed him head coach and I expect he'd have thought about it and the IRFU would have been happy enough. Personally I don't think Schmidt is a good fit for the Lions because he likes people to get his method so tends to be loyal to those who he knows.

I saw that view expressed elsewhere, with Gatland and Eddie Jones highlighted for their simplistic approach to rugby (vs Schmidt) as the simpler game plan was easier to impelemt in a shorter timeframe with a mix of players who weren't used to playing together.

I wouldn't lump Jones and Gatland together. Jones quickly assesses his players and finds a gameplan to fit them but his plan varies according to his players.

Plan.....varies?..... sorry, not familiar with that combination of words.

[Ross. S]

Plan.....varies?..... sorry, not familiar with that combination of words.

Its witchcraft, being spreaad by the filthy bastards in England and Ireland. It starded from the dark side (All Blacks).

[bruce]

Has it been confirmed yet who will be stand in for Wales?

[Sandydragon]

McBride probably.

[ALunpg]

We should embrace this and suggest they give Rob an early start after xmas...I mean we should be sharing at this time of year ...
And whilst he is away ....

[stud muffin]

Howley, Farrell and Borthwick join coaching staff.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38233542

Howley should be the tea boy!! It's a little underwhelming at the moment.

[stud muffin]

Neil Jenkins, Wales' top points-scorer, is likely to be a kicking specialist.

The cupboard will be bare this year!!

I would have to assume Edwards will become interim coach over McBride, but the WRU will probably appoint them both in some dual management "cr@p" approach