One of Warren Gatland's first decisions as Waikato coach will be whether to bring back promising lock Josh Sole, who has been named in the Italian squad.
The 25-year-old Sole, who earned national fame in the NPC last year when he sidestepped his way to a glorious try against Northland,
has been named by new Italian coach Pierre Berbizier in an extended squad of 56.
The 1.96m, 111kg lock-cum-flanker was approached by the Viadana club in October last year after they learned of Sole's Italian heritage. Waikato let him go and now have to decide whether they want to lure him back.
Waikato chief executive Gary Dawson said the decision will be made by Gatland when he becomes head coach next month.
Dawson says there is no doubt that Gatland, who recently guided London Wasps to their third consecutive Zurich Premiership title, is returning to take his post as Waikato head coach and technical adviser to the Chiefs. However, speculation continues apace, continually linking Gatland with the Blues and appointment to the vacant head coach position, despite having signed a three-year deal with Waikato.
Former All Black coach John Hart says Gatland is the only choice for the Blues job and believes all red tape should be cut to make that happen.
"The Blues have to get the best coach," said Hart. "The Blues are very important to New Zealand rugby and they need to have a succession plan.
"Warren Gatland is coming home with an impressive coaching record and has been successful at club and international level. Contracts get broken all the time."
Dawson, though, is adamant Gatland will honour his commitment and said that, if the Blues did make a late swoop, they'd be scuppered by eligibility rules. A Super 12 head coach must have worked for an NPC or Super 12 team for a year prior to his appointment.
"As far as we are concerned Warren has made it pretty clear he's coming back to Waikato," said Dawson.
"Ian Foster (Chiefs head coach) met with Gats during the bye-week to discuss Warren's role.
"The fact Warren is being linked with the Blues is just speculation. I think the answer to the Blues coaching job might be under their own noses."
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
