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Warren Gatland has been lined up for an immediate return to Cardiff after his Wales tenure ends at this year's World Cup - as coach of the Barbarians.

The famous invitational side, The Rugby Paper reports, want the Kiwi to lead them into battle against Wales in a match scheduled for November 30 but as yet unconfirmed.

That would be a matter of weeks after the conclusion of the global tournament in Japan and will be Wayne Pivac and his new coaching team's first match in charge of Wales in the post-Gatland era.

The irony of Gatland being involved in such an occasion will not be lost on any Welsh rugby supporter and there are predictions of a surge in interest in a game that has always had something of an exhibition feel.

(Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

Gatland has been touted as a potential successor to Steve Hansen in the All Blacks hot-seat, but has also spoken of his interest in potential opportunities in Super Rugby. He has also admitted that if the right opportunity does not present itself he will be more than happy to 'sit on a beach for six months'.

Gatland has also been linked with taking over the England job as and when Eddie Jones vacates the position, and there are also likely to be suitors among wealthy French and English clubs.

While the twice Lions boss is eager to return to his homeland, he may find the more financially lucrative northern hemisphere game too tempting to walk away from.

If he does take the Barbarians role the portents for Wales would not be good.

The last time Gatland coached against them was in October 2001 when he led Ireland in a Six Nations encounter delayed by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Ireland thumped Wales 36-6, but it proved to be Gatland's last but one match in charge of the Emerald Isle before Eddie O'Sullivan replaced him.