First time around with Wales, the New Zealander presided over Six Nations title triumphs, Grand Slams and World Cup semi-final appearances, but his second reign delivered just six wins from 26 Tests.
Gatland departed following Wales’ 14th successive Test defeat – a 22-15 loss to Italy – with Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt now in charge on an interim basis for three remaining Six Nations fixtures.
That shattering sequence has seen Wales drop to a new world ranking low of 12th, while an Ireland victory would see them suffer a ninth Six Nations reversal on the bounce.
While Wales have lost 14 successive Tests, Ireland’s defeats across the same number stand at four, with three of those being against New Zealand (twice) and world champions South Africa.
Unable to mastermind a Test match victory since the 2023 World Cup, when Wales beat Georgia in Nantes, their performance against Italy was dire on so many levels that there could be no realistic way back for Gatland.
