Legend Neil Jenkins has showered Wales with praise ahead of his final match in charge, branding him a "God" of the game.
Gatland will leave his post after tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup bronze medal match against the All Blacks in Tokyo.
It will bring the curtain down on the Gatland era, during which Wales have won three Grand Slams and a further Six Nations Championship, making the semi-finals of the World Cup on two occasions.
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Though it will not have the fairytale ending, the Kiwi’s time in charge has seen Wales enjoy success that is unprecedented in the professional era.
Jenkins has been part of his coaching staff for the entire 12-year period and paid tribute to the outgoing 56-year-old.
"I’ve said it before, he’s an incredible man not just due to his rugby intelligence and knowledge, but he’s an unbelievable person,” said Jenkins.
"A thank you is not enough as far as I’m concerned. For me he is a God of the game. I’ve been very, very lucky to be involved with him since he started in 2008.
"I’d like to think he’s left a fantastic legacy through the results and successes he’s had since 2008. There has been the development of and a lot of good players coming through and there are a lot of youngsters in the squad at this moment in time.
"Yes there are players who could be at their last World Cup, but there are a lot of players who will be at the next one and hopefully the one after that. Warren’s knowledge and what he’s done for our game is immense.”
Jenkins was speaking at Tokyo Stadium after the kickers’ session.
He was joined by fly-half Rhys Patchell, who will start against New Zealand tomorrow. The Scarlets No.10 explained exactly what it is that makes Gatland so special.
"The biggest thing you find with Warren is that he has an uncanny ability to work out what people need,” said Patchell.
"Whether somebody needs an arm around the shoulder, needs their tyres pumped up or if someone needs a pin to take a bit out of them to give them a bit of a rocket for the weekend.
"He’s been great for me over the past couple of years when I’ve been a bit more involved with the national squad.
"Hopefully he carries on with the success he’s had here wherever he goes but he certainly deserves that."
