The former Ireland boss and Wasps director of rugby was reported to be on the shortlist drawn up by the Welsh Rugby Union.

But Gatland insists he is committed to his coaching position with Waikato and has not even inquired about replacing Mike Ruddock, who stood down midway through the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

''I haven't applied and as far as I'm concerned that's the end of it,'' Gatland told the South Wales Echo.

''I have a job to do here in New Zealand. I'm not aware of any shortlist and I'm not going to put myself on it.

''I've had no contact from any Welsh officials and you can rule me out as an applicant.''

Llanelli Scarlets director of rugby Gareth Jenkins is the only candidate to publicly confirm he has thrown his hat into the ring.

All candidates will be interviewed by the WRU's five-man panel this month and the union are expected to finalise their choice before the board's extraordinary general meeting on May 14.