Rugby: Gatland hoping to be in Australia

Wales coach Warren Gatland hopes to join up with his squad for their second test against Australia in Melbourne in June. Photo / Janna Dixon.

Wales coach Warren Gatland hopes to join up with his squad for their second test against Australia in Melbourne in June.

The former All Black is continuing his recovery at home in New Zealand after suffering two broken heels when he fell from a ladder at his holiday home last month, the Daily Mail newspaper reported.

Rob Howley will be in caretaker charge for the trip Down Under, which features three test matches with the Wallabies and a midweek game against the Brumbies.

Gatland has also been a long-time favourite to coach the British and Irish Lions in Australia next year, which remains the case, although no announcement has yet been made.

While Gatland is certain to miss Wales' first test in Brisbane on June 9, he is aiming to link up with the squad in time for the second test a week later.

He has been in regular contact with Howley and Wales' coaching team since his accident.

"I can assure you I am going to be right in a few weeks and be up and running around," Gatland told BBC Wales' Scrum V programme.

"At this stage, I'll probably struggle to make Brisbane for the first Test. If I can be in Melbourne and Sydney for the second and third Tests, that will be great.

"As much as anything, just to go and have a little bit of an input, really, to support the coaches and players as much as anything.'

"I've spoken to the Lions, obviously. I think they are just waiting to have assurances that the injury is going to heal, that it's not going to be a hindrance in 12 months."

Wales play the Barbarians in Cardiff this weekend, when flanker Martyn Williams is expected to win his 100th cap.