Warren Gatland has been named UK Coach of the Year and High-Performance Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards 2013.
The Wales head coach, who led the British and Irish Lions to their first series success in sixteen years earlier this year, was presented with the award at a prestigious ceremony at the Montcalm, Marble Arch this evening (Tuesday 3 December).
Gatland joins a list of previous winners that includes Jessica Ennis-Hill’s coach Toni Minichiello and England Cricket coach Andy Flower.
It is Gatland’s second award within a matter of weeks after receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Rugby award at the Rugby Expo Awards last month.
Since Gatland took over in 2007, Wales have won Grand Slams titles in 2008 and 2012 as well as reaching the semi-final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Under his guidance, the British and Irish Lions recorded an historic series victory in Australia last summer and in his absence Wales collected a third RBS 6 Nations title earlier this year.
“It’s a great honour to be named UK Coach of the Year and High-Performance Coach of the Year,” said Gatland.
“There is an illustrious list of previous winners and it’s an honour to join to them.
“It’s great to be recognised but I have worked in some great set-ups and with some great teams so I would like to thank all those I have worked alongside.”