The Wales head coach, who is currently on sabbatical in order to take charge of the British & Irish Lions side which tours Australia this summer, was one of the first ten inductees who have been of illustrious influence on English rugby’s flagship tournament over the last 15 years.
Gatland is in good company, joined by the likes of Dean Richards, Andy Robinson and Mike Catt, and he attended the event in person to form part of the entertainment as he was interviewed on stage by Gabby Logan and fellow inductees Austin Healey and Conor O’Shea.
It is his achievements with English club London Wasps, who he led to three consecutive Premiership titles (03, 04, 05) rather than the double Grand Slams he has chalked up with Wales in 2008 and 2012, which have seen him honoured but that didn’t stop pundits at the evening picking his brains about the current Six Nations Championship and his potential Lions squad.
The Ball was presented in association with British Airways and Tag Heuer and in support of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day.
After introducing ten inductees to the Hall of Fame a further eight names where added from more recent times.
The total list includes Leicester’s Martin Johnson and Geordon Murphy and Healy, Northampton’s Pat Lam, current internationals Chris Robshaw and Tom Wood, London Irish pair O’Shea and Brendan Venter, Gloucester legend Jake Boer and cross code convert Jason Robinson.
Robinson admitted it was a shock to be elevated into such company. He said: “To be ranked alongside the likes of Dean Richards and Warren Gatland is a great honour. I was surprised to be nominated. It’s a great thing the Premiership are doing – and I’m delighted to receive the award.
“The atmosphere in the room with rugby people is good. There are some great stories that are out there. Also the friendships that you have from all the clubs shows the sport is in a healthy place.”
Towards the end of the evening X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke entertained the crowds with some of her greatest hits, while those in attendance weren’t shy about putting their hands in their pockets at a silent auction in aid of Comic Relief.
