INTERNATIONAL RUGBY
With the Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown shield carefully tucked away Welsh coach Warren Gatland (left) would be excused for resting on his laurels but the Kiwi wants to get back into the limelight by leading the British and Irish Lions next year.
While the rest of Wales continues to celebrate the unexpected triumph the new boss says he's eager for more challenges .
He said " If theres a chance to get involved at some level (with the Lions) that would be a huge honour but I have to make sure I don't neglect Wales."
Should Gatland get to manage the Lions then he'll lead them into battle against South Africa next year. However he will get a chance to see the Springboks at first hand this Summer when Wales travel to face the World Champions for a two test tour in June before a return fixture at the Millenium Stadium in November.
Not suprisingly Gatland has been generous in his praise of his players since the convincing 29-12 win over France last Saturday and he told reporters that he feels this batch of players could go on to great things.
He said "I honestly believe that this team over the next 12 months to two years will become a very good side, that will be difficult to beat and won't be afraid to play anyone. We've made a lot of progress in the last seven weeks.These players have given more than we, as coaches, have asked of them and if they do that then that's all you can ask for really. They've improved from game to game, but we are still going to have to do a lot of hard work."
Elsewhere England's Brian Ashton (right) and Ireland's Eddie O' Sullivan could find themselves out of a job after a below average Six Nations campaign for both countries.
Ashton's side may have finished second in the Six Nations table but defeats to Wales and Scotland may have convinced the powers that be to call time on his brief spell in charge of the World Cup finalists.
Across the Irish Sea pressure is mounting on Eddie O' Sullivan after Ireland's disappointing run of results.
However a number of players including Andrew Trimble and Rory Best have come out in support of their manager.
Ireland who had won three of the previous four triple crowns were expected to challenge for the Six Nations Championship itself after France were defeated by England but once again the men in green failed to deliver.
It was the country's worst Championship since 1999 but despite this O' Sullivan maintains he should remain in his current position.
He said " My own position is that at this moment in time I'm not making any decisions about anything. What we always do after every major tournament is meet with the Irish Rugby Football Union to discuss the bigger picture and that will happen again.After that I suppose we'll know what we're doing going forward but until then there's not much point in doing anything.Absolutely I believe I am the right man to lead Irish rugby."
