CHRIS FOY: Is Gatland the man to make America's Eagles fly high?

The United States have been chosen as World Cup hosts and now they need someone to turn their national team into a competitive force. It is arguably the next big job in rugby — and it may have Warren Gatlands's name on it.

There are persistent rumours that the former Wales and Lions head coach is set to take charge of America's Eagles at the end of next year. It is a monstrous mission, with profound implications for the country and for the game at large.

The USA are 18th in the World Rugby men's rankings and are facing a two-leg play-off against Chile in July, as the next stage of their quest to qualify for the 2023 global showpiece in France.

Now they have been awarded hosting rights for 2031 — as well as for the women's tournament two years later — the stakes are even higher.

If this is to become the catalyst for the sport to expand and develop in the States, USA need their public to become engaged. And the most likely way that will happen is if the Eagles soar.

Americans will get behind a cause, such as their team challenging the established elite in a different type of oval-ball game to the NFL.

What the US hope to emulate is the surge of interest in Japan during the last World Cup in 2019.

That was created by the stirring deeds of the hosts, who defeated Ireland and Scotland on the way to the quarter-finals, where they fought the good fight against eventual champions South Africa — in a fixture watched by a domestic TV audience of 60 million.

For a short while, rugby knocked sumo wrestling off the top of the sporting agenda.

There could be a similar impact across the Atlantic, with the right leadership — and investment.

If various sources are right and Gatland is primed to replace Gary Gold as head coach at the end