Warren Gatland says it would break his heart if Welsh rugby ever returned to the doldrums.
Gatland’s 12-year reign as Wales coach ended with a 40-17 defeat in the World Cup bronze-medal match against New Zealand at Tokyo Stadium.
Wales won four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams, reached two World Cup semi-finals and were briefly world ranked number one team under his direction.
“If you ask them (Wales players) to run through a brick wall, the next question is ‘what do you want me to do when I get to the other side?'”
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen, who also steps down after the World Cup, said: “We (Hansen and Gatland) have played 10 times, I think, and it might be eight wins (to New Zealand), one loss, one draw. It’s been competitive, yeah.
“He’s coaching a team, Wales, I once coached, and he has done a wonderful job.
“Having him back in New Zealand (at the Chiefs) for a year, I’m not sure how that is going to work because he’s going to do the (British and Irish) Lions after that, so not a lot of continuity for him or the Chiefs, but I am sure he’ll work his way through that.”
On no longer being involved with the All Blacks, Hansen added: “It will be beer in one hand, and access to another one in the other hand. No pressure.
“You will always be connected to the team. It’s like a family, and you will always want it to do well.
“I wish and hope this team continues to grow and get better, and I will look on it with great pride.”
