Gatland was contracted until 2027 but a disastrous run of results forced his exit and Wales’ search for a new head coach has begun. With the Welsh Rugby Union set to confirm Warren Gatland’s departure, attention is already turning to who might replace him as head coach. Wales dropped to a record low 12th in the world rankings and suffered a record-extending 14th successive loss following the Six Nations defeat by Italy. The 61-year-old New Zealander was under contract until the 2027 World Cup, but recent results had made his position untenable.
![[Simon Easterby is the current interim head coach of Ireland]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/11/01/554beac54431bf257b3d90635b92be21Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM5Mjc5NjIx-2.78960914.jpg)
Initially there will be an interim coach until the end of the Six Nations, possibly current attack coach Rob Howley who has filled the role previously when Gatland was on sabbatical to prepare for British and Irish Lions duty, while a report has also linked Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt with the short-term position. Wales next host Ireland on 22 February before travelling to Murrayfield to take on Scotland on 8 March, and they finish the Championship against England in Cardiff on 15 March.
![[Franco Smith has impressed in charge of Glasgow Warriors]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/08/02/11/b81e02e067416a92020584aeb60cba17Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjU5NTIyNjA3-2.50007330.jpg)
A new permanent coach will likely be in place before the two-Test summer tour to Japan and there are several names emerging as early frontrunners. The Ireland defence coach is currently impressing as interim head coach of the men in green, with Andy Farrell on Lions sabbatical. Easterby is based in Wales having played most of his career with the Scarlets and being married to Welsh TV presenter Sarra Elgan.
![[Michael Cheika will be available to hire come the end of the season]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/02/19/358421deb196f3e9e406dbd708f3621dY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzI3OTc2NjQ3-2.77640496.jpg)
His previous foray into international coaching with Italy was fairly uninspired as he delivered zero Six Nations wins over a couple of years before being pushed upstairs into a head of high performance role. Has done superbly as Glasgow Warriors coach since taking the role in 2022 though, leading them to URC glory last season. An experienced, globetrotting coach who has been in charge of Australia and Argentina on the international stage, as well as Leinster, Stade Francais, Waratahs and now Leicester Tigers at club level. He is due to step down as Tigers coach at the end of the season and does not currently have another job lined up.
![[Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt has been approached about the interim role]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/11/12/09/GettyImages-2189962160.jpeg)
