Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Warren Gatland has played down speculation linking him with a move across the Severn Bridge to England after the World Cup and revealed he has contacted under-fire Red Rose coach Stuart Lancaster with a message of support.

The hugely-successful Wales coach is contracted to the WRU for another four years, but that hasn’t prevented speculation over the border about the cash-rich English making an audacious move for Gatland following their own World Cup catastrophe on home soil.

Gatland’s name has cropped up during radio phone-ins analysing what happens next with England, while Sir Clive Woodward revealed he would have tried to land the Kiwi had he become RFU director of rugby.

Related: The verdict on the Wales team to face Australia as Warren Gatland makes one of his boldest selections yet

But Gatland laughed off the suggestion of him replacing the embattled Lancaster at the Red Rose helm, quipping: “I don’t think they can afford me!”

And although Wales have qualified for the quarter-finals at the expense of England from Pool A, it hasn’t stopped the New Zealander expressing his “absolute” sympathy for the plight of Lancaster.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Related:Why a Wales victory against Australia will belong to Warren Gatland after this courageous selection

“There’s a little bit of assassination by the media,” he said, before honing in on England’s decision to opt for a line-out and the win rather than kick a penalty for a draw during their crucial Twickenham loss to Wales.

“Had they taken those three points I don’t think this would have been the same so I rang Stuart in the week. He texted back and said he appreciated the support.

“I just hope he’s okay, him and those close to him – that’s more important than the rugby. We’re in this together, so I understand the pressures of professional sport and what we have to deal with.”