Warren Gatland has revealed that Sean O’Brien’s attack on his methods during the summer tour of New Zealand has helped convince him to never again put his name forward to coach the Lions.
The Irish flanker questioned Gatland’s preparation leading into the first test in particular and also criticised the ability of the Lions attack coach Rob Howley.
It was the final straw for Gatland, who admitted that he "hated" the tour of his home country.
Gatland ranks alongside Sir Ian McGeechan as the most successful Lions coach in the professional era with a series victory in Australia in 2013 and a drawn series against the All Blacks this summer, inflicting on them their first defeat at home in 48 tests when winning in Wellington.
Yet O’Brien believes that the 2017 Lions should have beaten the world champions, 3‑0.
There has been no direct contact between Gatland and O’Brien, even though the Wales head coach has left messages with the Leinster back‑row forward.
O’Brien made his unsolicited comments last month.
Gatland said he got in touch immediately but has had no response.
Source: stuff.co.nz
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