In the wake of the Wales rugby team’s exit from the Rugby World Cup 2023, head coach Warren Gatland has vowed to spearhead a rebuilding phase. Despite the quarter-final loss to Argentina by 29-17 in Marseilles, Gatland is resolute in his ambition to continue as head coach, a position bolstered by his prior achievement of guiding Wales to four consecutive World Cup quarter-finals.
Gatland’s five-year tenure, penned last December with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), includes a provision for a review post the World Cup. At 60, Gatland acknowledges the Union’s prerogative to terminate his contract but expresses a keen desire to further mould this group of players, reflecting on the defeat as a “hugely missed opportunity.”
The query over his future, dubbed the “Eddie Jones question” in reference to the embattled Australian coach, arose in the post-match presser. Though unfamiliar with the exact verbiage of the clause, Gatland’s resolve was apparent, “I absolutely want to see this group through, but if the union want to get rid of me, then they’re completely entitled to do that. That’s up to them.”
A reflective WRU is set to conduct a review of Wales’ World Cup journey, a routine post major tournaments. Previously lauded as the “best coach in the world” by the Union, Gatland enjoyed backing from the then acting WRU chief executive, Nigel Walker, who envisioned Gatland at the helm till the 2027 World Cup.
The quarter-final berth, albeit below expectations, offers solace amidst the looming retirement of key players like Dan Biggar. Gatland’s disappointment was palpable, “We were not at our best, but still could have won. We’re gutted that this slipped away from us.”
He lauded his squad’s efforts, underlining the necessity for progress, “We’ve made good strides and we need to make sure we continue on that path into the Six Nations and not go backwards. That’s the challenge.”
An incident of indiscipline, allowing the Pumas to overturn a 10-0 deficit, and an unforeseen change in referee from Jaco Peyper to Karl Dickson were among issues Gatland highlighted. He intends to seek clarification on a non-penalised contact to Nick Tompkins’ head, hinting at pivotal moments that could have altered the match’s outcome.
The road ahead for Wales seems to be one of reflection and strategic planning, with an unwavering Gatland at the forefront, ready to steer the Welsh rugby ship through calmer waters en route to the next World Cup.”
