Warren Gatland unsure of his future with Wales

Warren Gatland has plunged his long-term future as Wales head coach into doubt after admitting Roger Lewis’s departure as Welsh Rugby Union chief later this year "probably does" have a bearing on his own long-term future.

Gatland, who was signed up by Lewis eight years ago, is under contract with Wales until 2019.

During his reign, Wales have so far won three RBS 6 Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and reached a World Cup semi-final.

Lewis announced yesterday that he will leave his post after the World Cup in October, with the WRU saying that their search for a successor is to begin immediately.

Asked if Lewis’s exit had any bearing on his long-term future as Wales head coach, Gatland said: “Yeah, it probably does.” Then asked if he would like to elaborate on that, the New Zealander replied: “No.”

Gatland has become the most decorated international coach in Welsh rugby history, while Lewis took over the WRU reins nine years ago and has overseen a period of unprecedented success at Test level.

“The relationship the national team has had with Roger in terms of the support he has given us since I have been here is outstanding,” Gatland added.

“When we have gone to Roger to ask for things for the team, whether it’s been staff or facilities, he’s been absolutely outstanding what he’s done for us.”

Gatland, meanwhile, has recalled wing George North and prop Samson Lee for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against France in Paris.

Meanwhile Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni is set to miss Italy’s to Scotland after being bitten in the face by a dog.

The 33-year-old Toulon player will be examined by medical staff to determine whether the wound beneath his nose and above his top lip will rule him out Saturday’s game at Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

WALES (v France, Saturday): L Halfpenny (Toulon); G North (Northampton), J Davies (Clermont Auvergne), J Roberts (Racing Metro), L Williams (Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), R Webb (Ospreys); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), S Baldwin (Ospreys), S Lee (Scarlets), L Charteris (Racing Metro), A-W Jones (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Ospreys), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: R Hibbard (Gloucester), P James (Bath), A Jarvis (Ospreys), B Davies (Wasps), J Tipuric (Ospreys), M Phillips (Racing Metro), R Priestland (Scarlets), S Williams (Scarlets).