WALES coach Warren Gatland insists he is going nowhere a week after admitting he was considering his future when the regions refused to release squad players for training and the political upheaval that followed.

Gatland now says he was frustrated at the breakdown in communications between the WRU and the regions, but realises that his future lies in Wales.

He was speaking at yesterday’s launch of a multi-million pound centre of excellence at the Vale of Glamorgan which will provide more state-of-the-art facilities including an international quality training pitch.

“I never raised that issue, I said I was frustrated at the situation, it was a natural human response,” he said. “I am completely committed to Welsh rugby and I’m thoroughly enjoying the job, you get your ups and downs, but I’m really excited about this project and very focused.

“We’ve had three great days for training and I’m very committed, I’m not going anywhere.”

Gatland revealed he is very close to knowing what his team will be to face world champions South Africa a week tomorrow, only one or two positions in doubt, and that the players and regions have been made aware. He also says he won’t try to influence selection with the regions for their final group EDF Energy cup-ties this weekend.

“In the last three days there has been a lot of organisation, familiarising ourselves with calls, but we haven’t pushed them too hard,” he said.

“The Ospreys players didn’t train on Monday because they played the day before so for them it was two days really, Tuesday and Wednesday, though the England-based players were not available.

“We covered a lot of ground with some good preparation and I’m very close to the selection for the South Africa game.

“Most of the players have been told what our thoughts are, they’ve had an insight into what we’re looking for and how close the team is. There are one or two positions to finalise, but the players have got a pretty good idea of the team.

“I’m also going to involve most of the squad in the first two games because there’s a six-day turnaround between the South Africa and Canada games and the Ospreys and the Dragons are also playing on Sunday.

“So we need to be smart in our selection and have regard for the depth as well as giving youngsters a chance.

“I’ve spoken to the regions and we’ve tried to communicate with them, but it’s important we don’t step in with them because they’ve got to select their sides as well.”

Gatland revealed the one major doubt is wing Mark Jones. He explained: “Mark has not trained with us this week and is very doubtful, his knee is quite puffy.”

He admits to being surprised the Springboks have left out their overseas-based players, but still expects them to be strong.

“Not picking their overseas players was a bit of a surprise, but I can understand it,” he said “They’ve got a huge amount of depth and whatever team they select it will be pretty strong.

“A full Millennium Stadium with the roof shut will be quite something, along with the chance to take them on on our own soil.”