Warren Gatland has departed his role as Wales head coach by mutual agreement. Defeat to Italy in Rome on Saturday was the 14th consecutive international reverse for the Welsh, with Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt appointed as interim boss for the remainder of the Six Nations. Gatland returned for second stint in 2022 having previously coached Wales during their most successful Six Nations period that spanned more than a decade. However his second tenure in charge has been poor and he's presided over the worst run of results in 144 years of Welsh rugby history. They failed to win a single game in 2024 as they picked up the wooden spoon in the Six Nations.
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney said: “The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament. “We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won. Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’s call and is also testament to the strong relationship that now exists throughout the Welsh professional game that Cardiff Rugby are fully supportive of the move.
“Matt will return to Cardiff Rugby after the Six Nations in order to concentrate his efforts on what is already a promising campaign for our capital club. Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before this summer’s two-Test tour to Japan, with all options open.”. Wales' last win came in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 against Georgia with Gatland unable to revive the nation's fortunes as a number of their legendary figures call time on their careers.
The Welsh were hammered on the opening night of the Six Nations, losing 43-0 in France before they were well beaten in a rain-soaked contest against Italy at the weekend. The Six Nations will pause for a weekend before Wales face Ireland on February 22 in Cardiff. After that they will travel to Scotland on 8 March before finishing the tournament at home against England a week later. Gatland had continued to be defiant and was determined to turn around the team's fortunes, but will no longer get a chance.
After Saturday's loss he said: "I can understand people's frustration and we are frustrated and disappointed as well because we created opportunities but we have made mistakes and the penalty count was disappointing. As a coaching team and players they are not hard fixes but we need to make sure we focus in those key moments.". Ex-fly-half Dan Biggar admitted that Gatland's dismissal was a possibility after their loss in Italy: "I don't think anything is off the table at the moment, it can't be. It can't carry on. 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.".
Former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow coach Franco Smith and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby are seen as potential replacements, but it will be tough for the WRU to strike any agreement midway through the Championship. Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt may also be in the running after an impressive season thus far. With the British and Irish Lions Tour to come this summer against Australia there is already talk of a record low amount of players being picked from Wales such are their struggles.
