Warren Gatland’s Wales legacy diminished by dismal second chapter Warren Gatland is the most successful head coach in Wales’ international rugby history.
But Georgia’s stunning Cardiff triumph meant there could be no way back for Pivac and Gatland soon returned, installed by the Welsh Rugby Union for a second stint that would begin with the 2023 Six Nations.
There are mitigating factors, with a number of front-line players – star names such as Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, George North, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny – retiring from Test rugby since Gatland returned, while Louis Rees-Zammit went to the NFL and influential number eight Taulupe Faletau was a long-term injury absentee.
Pivac had succeeded his fellow New Zealander Gatland after the 2019 World Cup, a stint that was highlighted by a Six Nations crown in 2021 and historic first victory over the Springboks in South Africa.
Current form and results have screamed from the page, though, as this season’s Six Nations began with a record defeat in the tournament against France, then a 22-15 loss to Italy, which highlighted just how far Wales have fallen.
