5:55 am - February 12, 2025
Warren Gatland, one of the most iconic figures in Welsh rugby history, is reportedly set to step down as the head coach of the Wales national rugby team. Sky News understands that the 61-year-old, who has been at the helm of the Welsh squad since 2022, will leave his position amid growing pressure following a series of disappointing results. Gatland, who previously coached Wales between 2007 and 2019, is the longest-serving and perhaps the most successful head coach in the history of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). His contributions to the sport have been so significant that a gate at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium was even renamed “Gatland’s Gate” in his honor in 2019. Despite his legacy, the recent run of 14 consecutive defeats has led to mounting criticism, and it appears that his time in charge may be coming to an end.
Gatland’s coaching career with Wales has been nothing short of remarkable. During his first tenure, he led the team to four Six Nations victories, including three Grand Slams—a feat that showcased his ability to inspire and unite the squad. His leadership during the 2013, 2017, and 2021 British and Irish Lions tours further cemented his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in the sport. However, his return to Wales in 2022, following the departure of fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac, has been marred by struggles on the pitch. The team’s recent performances have been far from impressive, and the pressure on Gatland has intensified as a result. The fans and critics alike have grown increasingly frustrated, and it seems that even Gatland’s legendary status may not be enough to shield him from the fallout.
The 2023 Six Nations Championship has been particularly disheartening for Wales. The team’s campaign began with a humiliating 43-0 loss to France, a match in which Wales failed to score a single point. This was followed by a 22-15 defeat to Italy, leaving Wales without a win in the tournament so far. These results have only added to the sense of despair among supporters, who had hoped for a turnaround under Gatland’s guidance. The team’s poor performance in the autumn international series, which included a historic loss to Fiji at home, has also weighed heavily on the squad’s morale. For the first time since 2003, Wales finished last in the Six Nations Championship last year, earning the unwanted wooden spoon. These setbacks have raised questions about the team’s direction and Gatland’s ability to reverse the decline.
Despite the challenges, Gatland has remained defiant in the face of criticism. Ahead of the Six Nations tournament, he issued a rallying cry to his detractors, saying, “Write us off at your peril.” He emphasized the need for the team to rebuild its confidence, both physically and mentally, and called for proper preparation to turn things around. However, the results so far have not reflected his optimism, and the pressure on him has only grown. Gatland’s experience and achievements have earned him a great deal of respect, but even the most successful coaches are not immune to the scrutiny that comes with poor performances. The question now is whether he can lead Wales to a late resurgence in the Six Nations or if his departure has already become inevitable.
The wider impact of Wales’ struggles extends beyond Gatland. In December, Nigel Walker, the WRU’s executive director of rugby, stepped down from his role, acknowledging that he was “judged on performances on the pitch.” Walker, who had been in the position for several years, admitted that the last 12 months had been extremely challenging for both the men’s and women’s teams. He stated that it was “right” for him to step down, given the poor results. His departure is expected to be confirmed later today, according to Sky News and Sky Sports News. Walker’s resignation is a clear indication of the turmoil within the WRU, as the organization grapples with the fallout from the team’s dismal performances.
As the Welsh Rugby Union prepares to confirm Walker’s departure, the focus will inevitably shift to who will succeed Gatland as head coach, if he indeed steps down. The decision will be crucial in determining the future direction of the team and the organization as a whole. Wales’ recent struggles have not only raised questions about the leadership but also highlighted deeper issues within the system. The WRU will need to address these challenges head-on to ensure that the team can return to its former glory. For now, though, the attention remains on Gatland, whose legacy as one of Wales’ greatest coaches is being tested by the current crisis. Only time will tell how his story unfolds, but one thing is certain: the pressure on him and the WRU has never been greater.