Gatland has desire to remain Wales coach

Warren Gatland says he wants to continue as Wales head coach as he prepares to face world champions South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

Gatland has overseen a record 11 successive Test match defeats, and another loss this weekend would see Wales go a calendar year without winning a Test for the first time since 1937.

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.

But when directly asked whether he had a strong desire to carry on in the job, he replied: "Absolutely. I think we've been pretty clear in terms of the plan we've had. We've got a group of young players that need a bit of time."

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

"We can only work as hard as we have done. I'm aware of the pressure and that decisions could be made outside of my control," he continued.

"We've just asked for a little bit of time. Whether we get that time, we'll have to wait and see."

Following the record 52-20 defeat against Australia last Sunday, Gatland said he had a conversation with Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chair Richard Collier-Keywood and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker in the Principality Stadium changing rooms.

He also stated he would speak to his family when considering his future.

But three days on from the Australia mauling, Gatland said he has had no indication from anybody that he would not be in charge beyond the upcoming game against the Springboks.

Gatland has made four personnel changes for South Africa, with Sam Costelow recalled at fly-half.