Welsh coach Warren Gatland said that England had not approached him

Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland said that England had not asked him to replace Eddie Jones.

Gatland has been linked to English work by the media since he announced that he was retiring after nearly 12 years in the role of Wales after the Rugby World Cup this year. Jones is under contract with England until 2021 but has a break clause if the team makes a flop at the World Cup in Japan.

Gatland said that the England Rugby Union was not one of the "many contenders" who contacted him about his future.

"I've had quite a few approaches from different sources – it's about making the right decision at the right time, so you just have to weigh it all," New Zealand said.

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"To be honest, I'm focusing on the next six or seven months, Wales and the World Cup.

"I did not talk to England at all, they were very clear in that they did not make appointments and did not talk to anyone before the rugby world cup." "

Gatland was speaking at the announcement of his preliminary team for the World Cup and refused to speculate on the fact that he would be the head coach of the British and Irish Lions for the third time during their tour of South Africa in 2021.

"I will not talk about Lions," he said.

The extended Gatland team included 36 of the 42 players who helped Wales win the Six Nations Grand Slam in March. It also included uncapped Cardiff Blues players, the Rhys Carre pillar and the Owen Lane wing.

Taulupe Faletau, of the No. 8 British Lions, who missed most of the season after having broken his arm twice, as well as other injured attackers, Aaron Shingler and James Davies.

Wales, on a 14-game winning streak, will play pre-season games against England and Ireland at home in August and September. They will also have training camps in Switzerland and Turkey, and will start the Rugby World Cup on September 23 against Georgia.