Wasps promote Gatland

Wasps players yesterday welcomed the promotion of Warren Gatland following the resignation of their director of rugby, Nigel Melville.

Gatland, the Wasps forwards coach and former Ireland coach, will take charge of team affairs immediately following Melville's decision to step down yesterday afternoon.

Melville remains contracted to Wasps, but is believed to be in talks with their Premiership rivals Gloucester over a similar position at Kingsholm.

The Scotland winger Kenny Logan said: "We knew he was going at the end of the season because the club wouldn't have brought someone like Warren Gatland in just to coach the forwards. There is a bigger picture and that is Warren becoming director of rugby."

The Wasps captain, Mark Denney, added: "Nigel has played a massive role in shaping the club and also shaping the careers of many of the players, so it's sad to see him go. But he obviously feels he needs a new challenge, so perhaps its right for him and the club."