Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland is to undergo surgery after injuring his heels in an accident at his beach home in New Zealand.
The 48-year-old was cleaning windows at his family beach house on Waihi Beach on Easter Monday when he fell three metres onto concrete.
The Wales coach took the full impact on his heels and suffered multiple fractures to the right calcaneus and also a fracture to the left calcaneus. Consequently, he is in leg casts and requires surgery to reconstruct his right heel.
His return to Wales has been delayed as he recovers from the injuries but it is not expected to have any major impact on the preparations for Wales’ scheduled matches in June.
The Welsh Rugby Union has said plans have been put in place for some senior squad preparatory coaching functions to be managed by Gatland’s assistants.
While in New Zealand Gatland will continue to receive information primarily from Rob Howley, Robin McBryde, Shaun Edwards and Neil Jenkins as they observe and monitor squad players and potential players over the next few weeks.
Assistant Coach Rob Howley will oversee day-to-day management of the coaching staff in Wales and will play a key role in liaising between the Wales based staff and the Head Coach during Gatland’s temporary absence. Team Manager Alan Phillips will keep the Head Coach informed of all other squad preparation issues.
Roger Lewis, the WRU’s chief executive has approved the plan for temporary injury cover and he has indicated that although there is no current requirement for any of the staff to be appointed caretaker Head Coach, he and Gatland have agreed to recommend to the WRU Board that Howley would fill the role if required.
Although it could be several weeks before he fully recovers Gatland is expected to be able to return to active coaching duties before his recuperation is complete.
Lewis said: “We all wish Warren a speedy recovery from the injuries he has suffered in this extremely unfortunate accident.
“Knowing Warren as I do I can reassure the Welsh rugby public that he has diligently put the people and processes in place to ensure he stays closely linked to what is happening in the game back here in Wales.
”I have spoken to Warren on a number of occasions since his fall and have told him he will lead the tour to Australia unless anything unforeseen happens in the prognosis for recovery we are working to.”