Wednesday 25 February 2015 09:59, UK
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says Roger Lewis' departure as Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive 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 coaching reign, Wales have so far won three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and reached a World Cup semi-final.
Lewis, 60, will leave his post after the World Cup next October, with the WRU saying that their search for a successor is to begin immediately.
Asked at a team announcement press conference on Tuesday if Lewis' 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."
Later during the press conference, Gatland was asked if he would be thinking about his role, post-2015 World Cup.
"Often those decisions aren't in your hands, are they?" he added. "I have signed until 2019 and I have made my commitment to Welsh rugby for that. You hope that can continue.
"Professional sport is all about performance, it is all about results, and sometimes it is about other people making decisions for you."
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.
Wales, though, have been drawn in a ferociously-difficult World Cup pool, with England and Australia among their opponents chasing two quarter-final places.
This weekend though, Wales are chasing a fourth successive Six Nations win against France – Les Bleus have also failed to score a try during that sequence - while flanker Sam Warburton will captain his country for the 33rd time, equalling Ryan Jones' Wales record.
A Wales victory at Stade de France would keep them in the Six Nations title mix ahead of hosting reigning champions Ireland on March 14.
"I think they (France) are under a bit of pressure to go and play some rugby," Gatland said.
"I thought the last 20 minutes against Ireland, when they started to keep the ball and move the ball, I thought that was when they looked their most dangerous.
"They have probably been at times relatively conservative in the way they have played, and I think they will go and express themselves a bit more and potentially throw the ball around.
"We understand what threats France pose, but it is important we go and try to impose our own game on them, too."
And Gatland paid tribute to 26-year-old skipper Warburton, who is on course to break Jones' leadership mark when Ireland arrive at the Millennium Stadium.
"Sam has grown into the role," Gatland added.
"When you are a young man and you are given that sort of responsibility, particularly in Wales - this is the ultimate fish-bowl of world rugby - I think he has matured and grown into the role.
"I liken him a little bit to someone like Richie McCaw.
"He (McCaw) was given the captaincy of the All Blacks at a young age, and he got better and better as he got more comfortable with the role. I think Sam is doing that.
"I think he will go on and hopefully do a lot more than equal the record."
