Warren Gatland’s second tenure as Wales head coach appears to be approaching an inevitable conclusion after yet another dismal Six Nations performance.
Wales’ 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome marked their eighth consecutive Six Nations loss, extending their winless streak in Test matches to 14. The latest setback raises serious questions about Gatland’s future, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) set to conduct a post-tournament review that may not take long to reach a decision.
During his first spell in charge, the New Zealander guided Wales to Six Nations titles, Grand Slams, and World Cup semi-finals. However, his current record is in stark contrast, with Wales now having lost 20 of their 26 Tests since his return ahead of the 2023 tournament.
The WRU previously reviewed Wales’ disappointing Autumn Nations Series campaign earlier in the season and chose to stand by Gatland. At the time, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney acknowledged the precarious nature of his position, stating: “I’ve had a number of very honest conversations with Warren, and I will make no secret of the fact that his position was on the line as we undertook our review.
“Further than that, like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team, and that this is a situation that will continue to intensify.”
With reigning Six Nations champions Ireland next up in Cardiff on 22 February, followed by a trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland and a final showdown against England at the Principality Stadium, the pressure is mounting.
Wales have plummeted to 12th in the World Rugby rankings and, in terms of ranking points, now sit closer to Belgium, Brazil, and Namibia than to current world champions South Africa. Adding to their woes, they have suffered back-to-back defeats against Italy for the first time in history, leaving them as strong contenders for a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon.
Speaking to ITV, former Wales fly-half and captain Dan Biggar did not rule out significant changes, saying: “I don’t think anything is off the table at the moment.
“It can’t carry on like this. We said in the autumn, it can’t be 14, 15, 16 (defeats), but at the minute it’s going to be 14, 15, 16 unless something absolutely miraculous happens.
“At the minute, it just isn’t working. Whatever is going on from Monday to Friday clearly isn’t being transferred on to the pitch on a Saturday.”
For his part, Gatland remains adamant that he wants to continue, despite acknowledging the challenges his team faces.
“There is no doubt it’s challenging,” he admitted. “As a group, the players are working incredibly hard.
“It is frustrating from our point of view in terms of the accuracy and some of the discipline. But the boys spoke well in the changing room at the same time about keeping together and continuing to work hard.
“When you are under pressure, some of your decision-making goes off-cue. You definitely feel the pressure as a team that hasn’t won for a while.
“We are frustrated as a group of players, there is no-one more disappointed than we are. They (Wales fans) are incredibly supportive of the players and want them to do well.
“We are disappointed we could not give them something more to cheer about.”
As Wales prepare to face Ireland, the focus remains on whether Gatland can turn things around—or whether the WRU will decide that a new direction is necessary before further damage is done.
Gatland under fire as Wales’ Six Nations struggles continue
