KEY POINTS:
Waikato coach Warren Gatland is set to accept a four-year contract as coach of Wales this week, Britain's Times Online website reported today.
The website reported Gatland has been offered a A3;350,000 ($947,000) a year deal to rebuild Welsh rugby after they failed to make the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup.
"We have a few things to work out. Nothing is finalised but we are fairly close," the former Ireland and Wasps coach said.
"They are fairly keen to have me and I am very interested in the job. The challenge is appealing. The scene [in Wales] is a lot like New Zealand. It's a goldfish bowl."
Gatland said he will make a final decision before he flies home on Monday (NZ time).
If Gatland is appointed he will be the third Kiwi coach in less then 10 years to coach Wales and follows in the footsteps of Graham Henry and Steve Hansen.
He is understood already to have spoken to New Zealander Andrew Hore, the favourite to fill the WRU's elite performance director role.
Hore's position has reportedly been complicated by a late bid by his current employers the New Zealand Rugby Union to keep him at home.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA
