Warren Gatland has been heralded as the figure to revive interest in Super Rugby in New Zealand following his appointment by the Chiefs.
The tournament, which is also contested by teams from Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Japan, has been flagging.
The addition of more sides and a Conference format proved a huge turn-off with union followers.
South African franchises Cheetahs and South King, who both now play in the Guinness PRO14, and Australian out-fit Western Force, were chopped from it two years ago.
And Japanese side Sunwolves will be cut when it reverts to a round-robin Super 14 format following next year’s tournament.
An editorial in The Dominion Post said: “Gatland’s return to New Zealand to coach the Chiefs in Super Rugby is a good thing.
“Too often the narrative is about our best and brightest leaving this country for more money and opportunity elsewhere, invariably in the northern hemisphere.
“Finally we have one coming the other way. And not just anyone, but one of the world’s best coaches, a man who has greatly redeemed the fortunes of not only Wales but also the inconsistent British and Irish Lions.
“His return is a good thing for Super Rugby as well, if not for the sum then at least for the part Kiwis know and love. The competition needs a shot in the arm, even in a country that counts rugby as its national sport.
“Crowds have dropped six per cent this year and there is a noted whiff of staleness adding to the sense of general decay.
“Of course, Gatland won’t be able to fix all of that, but rugby followers will be fascinated to see how he incorporates what he has learned from two decades in the northern hemisphere, while others will probably appreciate his refreshingly prickly, no-nonsense nature.”
Former New Zealand skipper Justin Marshall predicted players stars will be queuing to join the Chiefs – Gatland has signed a four-year deal with a built-in sabbatical to coach the 2021 Lions in South Africa – when the Kiwi takes the reins of his home franchise following this year’s World Cup in Japan.
The scrum-half great, who had a stint with the Ospreys, reckons Gatland can create a culture at the Chiefs to match that of record Super Rugby champions Crusaders.
“Without doubt, the Crusaders have had this incredible ability to attract players simply because of the culture they’ve developed within the franchise, players want to go there,” he told Radio Sport .
“And then when players are offered bigger money or other opportunities they are reluctant to go, because they know they’re in an environment where they can produce their best rugby.
“Guys like Warren Gatland, they give the players that same level of comfort.
“They’re not going into the unknown, they can see the coach has been successful, that he gets the best out of players and it makes you more decisive in your decision. You know, given his history, he will make you a better player.”
Another ex-All Blacks skipper and superstar, Sean Fitzpatrick, whose presence at hooker prevented Gatland from being capped by New Zealand, expressed delight at his former rival’s return home.
“‘Gats’ is phenomenal with what he’s done on the coaching side as well as his playing career,” Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports .
“His CV is second to none, the knowledge he has is huge and, to be able to bring that back to New Zealand, I think is fantastic.
“With that CV and knowledge he has, whoever is the next All Blacks coach after the World Cup will, I’m sure, be tapping into Warren Gatland, that’s for sure.”
Marc Hinton, senior sports writer at Stuff , wrote: “The tangled path that previously existed for Gatland to become the second man to coach Wales, the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks (after Sir Graham Henry) has undoubtedly cleared significantly as the dominos continue to fall in the former Waikato and All Blacks hooker’s favour.
“Steve Tew’s decision to stand down as chief executive of New Zealand Rugby at year end removed one major stumbling block.
“It’s well known that Tew and Gatland don’t exactly see eye to eye. But with a new CEO set to be in place post-World Cup it appears that obstacle has been obliterated.
“Most importantly Gatland now has the stepping stone he needs to eventually ascend to the All Blacks job.
“Whatever way you look at it, that significant development is a win-win for all concerned.”
Wales great Shane Williams, writing in the Rugby Paper , said: “I’ve long argued Warren is the best coach in world rugby today.
“He will only improve the likes of Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown.
“Wherever he has gone in his coaching career, Warren has transformed also-rans or middle-of-the-road teams into real competitors and serial winners.”
