Rugby: Gatland free to go if he wants shot at ABs job - Wales boss

A relaxed Lions coach Warren Gatland. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Welsh Rugby Union would not stand in Warren Gatland's way if he decided to walk away from his contract early, chief executive Martyn Phillips says.

According to British reports, Gatland was set to return to Wales shortly after last night's decisive test against the All Blacks in Auckland.

Kiwi-born Gatland is contracted as head coach of the Welsh national team until 2019 but has been tipped as a possible successor to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, whose deal runs out at the same time.

And while Phillips believes it unlikely Gatland would seek an early exit, he concedes he would not force the 53-year-old to stay against his wishes.

"I don't think he'd do it [leave]," Phillips told BBC Sport.

"A huge value for him is loyalty, so I don't think it would happen. But having said that, if he did, the people you need on your team have got to want to be there.

"The job is so critical to Wales. I wouldn't want somebody doing it who doesn't want to be there. So if he wanted to go, he could go."

Phillips praised Gatland's handling of the tour in the face of some criticism.

"It's his third tour, so he knows what to expect. It's probably the toughest coaching job in rugby," Phillips said. "He's had the discipline to stay above the criticism, not be drawn into it."