Content Gatland Struggles Amid Criticism as Wales Exit International Rugby Tournament
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Warren Gatland stepped down from his role as Wales head coach last week despite being under contract until 2027. The decision came after a challenging Six Nations campaign that included a defeat in Italy, extending Wales’ losing streak to 14 Tests and dropping them to an all-time low of 12th place in world rankings.
Gatland, at the age of 61, expressed his intention to resign following what he believed would be “the best time” for everyone involved if they lost. He revealed that prior to the Rome game on February 4, he had already made a decision about his future without much contemplation.
“If we didn’t win that game,” Gatland told The Daily Telegraph, external link, “then I’d have to seriously consider my position. It would be the best time and the best thing for everyone to walk away.”
His contract with Wales was due to run until 2027 when they host the World Cup. However, he left his post by mutual consent three days after Italy’s defeat following a previous loss in France at the start of the Six Nations tournament.
The Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, Abi Tierney, stated that both parties agreed an immediate change was “in the best interests” of Wales’ squad. As a result, Matt Sherratt from Cardiff will serve as Gatland’s temporary replacement for the remainder of the Six Nations campaign.
Wales face Ireland on February 22 in Cardiff, then travel to Scotland on March 8 before concluding their tournament at home against England on March 15.
Gatland has a history with Wales rugby. He previously coached them from 2004 to 2016, leading the team to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals. After leaving in 2019 following the Rugby World Cup, he returned as head coach in December 2022 when Wayne Pivac stepped down.
Despite his achievements, Gatland admitted that recent performances had eroded his confidence within the team and expressed disappointment at criticism from former players. “I’ve felt a huge amount of negativity in the Welsh press,” he said. “It just kept weighing down on me.”
Gatland believes that leaving Wales head coaching will provide “breathing space” for both the squad and future coaches to rebuild.
He also warned his successor about potential challenges, noting: “‘There’s a lot of people who want you to succeed, but there’s also a lot of people who want you to fail as well. And I’ve experienced that.’
