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Warren Gatland: 'My absence will help Wales'

Gatland defends absence
© PA Photos
Warren Gatland says that Wales will reap the benefits of his absence over the past two weeks in the future.

Warren Gatland believes that his absence from his duties as the Wales coach for the last couple of weeks will help the team in the long run.

Interim coach Rob Howley was in charge of the Red Dragons for the last fortnight, during which the Red Dragons lost to Samoa and Argentina.

"We have had a couple of disappointing weeks, but I think the benefit of that will be shown in the next couple of years," BBC Sport quotes Gatland as saying. "And I think long-term that will be good for the development of Welsh rugby.

"I think everyone will look back at on the last two weeks of experience and I think it will make them better and stronger going forward."

The New Zealand native added that his absence will also help Wales prepare for the future without him.

"One of the things I've spoken to [WRU group chief executive] Roger Lewis about: I'm not going to be here forever," said Gatland. "And part of my role [deals with] the development of Welsh rugby and coaches. We are in a building phase now until 2015."

Wales will host New Zealand in the Autumn International on Saturday.

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