Players hopeful Warren Gatland will remain in his post

Jamie Roberts is convinced Wales head coach Warren Gatland will remain in his post and spurn any overtures made by England.

Gatland is among the contenders to replace Stuart Lancaster should he go in the wake of England's dreadful World Cup, which saw them become the only host nation to be knocked out of the competition in the pool stages.

With Gatland possessing an enviable CV, which includes stints as Ireland, British and Irish Lions and Wales coach, Roberts knows the 52-year-old New Zealander will be in demand.

But the centre told the Independent: “I know there are people who have linked him with the England job but I don’t think he’ll be going to England, particularly as he’s got a contract with Wales that stretches until 2019.

“Warren Gatland has done an amazing job with the boys and there’s a great familiarity there now. He’s developed good relationships with the players and people respect him and what he brings to the table.”

Gatland has led Wales to three Six Nations titles since taking charge in 2007, including two grand slams, while his injury-hit team managed a famous victory over England at Twickenham en route to the World Cup quarter-finals.

The futures of defence coach Shaun Edwards and attack coach Rob Howley are uncertain, but Roberts, 28, added: "As for Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley, I know their contracts are coming to an end but, hopefully, the coaching team remains the same for Wales.

“I’ve been very lucky in my career to have a settled coaching set-up. Rob was just earning his coaching spurs at the Cardiff Blues when I came through and he and Shaun are all I’ve ever known in the international set-up.

“Shaun has brought the best out of me as a player and a person, and anyone can see how crucial he’s been to us as a defensive unit, while Rob is someone I look up to massively and who has helped guide my career for over a decade.”