rugby

He was an avid supporter of Everton, his local football club Cliftonville and Ballymena rugby club.

The New Zealander, who has rejected speculation that there is a break clause after next year's Six Nations in his contract, said he would resign if it was in the interests of Welsh rugby.

Gatland added that he understands "the pressures of international rugby with performances and results".

Given rugby union's recent history of potentially-revolutionary ventures failing to get off the ground, supporters and players can be forgiven for treating this latest project with caution, especially as sources involved in the process have said it remains in the "very early stages of development".

While a new global tournament would be staged away from international windows, the different selection policies of each nation would affect whether those involved could play Test rugby.