Warren Gatland stepped down from his position as the head coach of the Welsh rugby team on Tuesday, during the ongoing Six Nations tournament. This change comes as Wales faces an unprecedented downturn, experiencing the worst run of results in its rugby history. The announcement followed a disheartening 22-15 defeat against Italy, which marked the 14th consecutive match without a victory for the team—a national record.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed that Gatland’s exit was mutually agreed upon, after he initiated discussions regarding his future with them. With Gatland’s departure, Matt Sherratt, the current head coach of Cardiff Blues, has been appointed to steer the team for the remainder of the Six Nations. In a statement released by the WRU, Gatland expressed, “Now is the right time for a change.”
Gatland had previously earned acclaim as a highly regarded coach during his first tenure with Wales, where he led the team to remarkable successes, including four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slam victories. He also directed his players to the semifinals of the World Cup in both 2011 and 2019. However, the recent series of defeats has cast a shadow over his legacy, especially after returning for a second term ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
Wales’ last successful outing was in 2023, and despite the WRU maintaining Gatland’s position after a winless autumn campaign, the expected improvements in performance have not materialized. With two opening losses in the Six Nations—first to France and then to Italy—Wales appears set to end the tournament in last place for the second consecutive year, a feat that has never occurred in the competition’s 142-year existence.
Throughout his distinguished career, Gatland also served as head coach for the British & Irish Lions on three separate tours, achieving a series victory in Australia in 2013, a draw in New Zealand in 2017, and a loss in South Africa in 2021. He remarked on the challenges faced, stating that he and his players “have been desperate to turn potential into results.”
In concluding his statement, Gatland noted, “I’ve reached the end of this particular chapter, but I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, to all the players who have played for me, and to my management team, who have contributed to our achievements over the years. I wish the new coach all the best for the future.”
Looking ahead, the WRU intends to appoint a permanent head coach before the two-Test tour to Japan at the end of the current season. Sherratt has previously collaborated with the Wales team back in 2017 while Gatland was occupied with Lions duties. Abi Tierney, the WRU’s chief executive, praised Sherratt’s willingness to step up at this critical juncture, stating, “Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’ call.”
