Warren Gatland is set to step down as Wales’ head coach with immediate effect, as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) prepares to confirm his departure later today.
The 61-year-old New Zealander, who previously led Wales between 2007 and 2019 before returning in 2022, has been under mounting pressure following a record-breaking run of 14 consecutive defeats. The poor run of form included a dismal autumn international series, which saw Wales suffer a first-ever home defeat to Fiji. Their struggles continued into last year’s Six Nations, where they finished bottom of the table for the first time since 2003.
WRU SET TO ACT AFTER HEAVY SIX NATIONS DEFEATS
Wales’ current Six Nations campaign has offered no respite, with the team yet to secure a victory. They endured a humiliating 43-0 defeat to France in their opening match before succumbing to a 22-15 loss against Italy on Saturday. Patience within the WRU has worn thin, and a key board meeting on Wednesday will discuss the possibility of placing Gatland on gardening leave while an interim coach takes charge for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite being contracted until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, reports suggest the WRU has already decided to trigger a break clause in his contract this summer.
EASTERBY AND SMITH LEAD RACE TO REPLACE GATLAND
With Gatland’s departure imminent, the WRU has begun looking at long-term replacements. The leading candidates are Ireland’s defence coach Simon Easterby and Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith.
Easterby, currently in interim charge of Ireland while Andy Farrell prepares for the British & Irish Lions tour, has guided his side to victories over England and Scotland in this year’s Six Nations. A former Scarlets player and coach, the 49-year-old has extensive experience at both club and international level, having been a key figure in Ireland’s most successful era under Joe Schmidt and Farrell.
Notably, he still resides in Cowbridge, near Wales’ training base at the Vale Resort, giving him an in-depth understanding of Welsh rugby.
Smith, meanwhile, has impressed with his work at Glasgow, earning plaudits for his attacking philosophy. The South African coach has experience at Test level, having previously taken charge of Italy.
REACTION FROM FORMER PLAYERS
Wales’ disastrous performance in Rome has drawn scathing criticism from former internationals, including Jamie Roberts and Dan Biggar.
Roberts, the ex-centre, expressed his frustration after the defeat to Italy: “Everyone was expecting a kick-back from the disappointing night in Paris, [but] our kicking game at times was schoolboy.”
Biggar was equally blunt about Gatland’s future, stating: “I don’t think anything is off the table at the moment, it can’t be. It can’t carry on.”
The former fly-half added: “It is such a shame because there are so many good people there who have had success previously, but clearly what is happening in the week is not working on the pitch.”
FAN REACTION: SHOCK AND DISBELIEF
The news of Gatland’s imminent departure has sparked strong reactions from fans, with many directing their frustration towards the WRU board rather than the head coach. On the Pembrokeshire Herald’s Facebook page, supporters shared their views:
Lewis Fackrell wrote: “Outrageous, how about putting the WRU board on permanent gardening leave!”
Andre Phillips added: “As if things are gonna miraculously improve now Gatland’s gone… daft decision. It’s the WRU board that needs to go.”
As Wales scramble to salvage their Six Nations campaign, all eyes will be on who takes charge next—and whether the WRU itself will face increased scrutiny in the wake of this decision.
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