WRU Set to Confirm Departure as Interim Replacement Considered
Warren Gatland has stepped down as Wales head coach with immediate effect after a disastrous run of 14 consecutive Test defeats. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is expected to officially confirm his departure at 1:30 PM on Tuesday.
WRU staff were reportedly informed of the decision earlier in the day, with an interim coach set to take charge for the remainder of the Six Nations. Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt is believed to be among the leading candidates, though the role may go to an external appointment.
Contract and Staff Uncertainty
Gatland’s contract was set to run until the end of Wales’ summer tour, meaning the WRU will either place him on gardening leave or negotiate a severance package. The future of his coaching staff remains unclear, with some members reportedly having break clauses at the end of the summer, while others are on rolling 12-month contracts.
A Difficult End to a Legendary Tenure
Gatland, who won three Six Nations Grand Slams with Wales between 2007 and 2019, returned to the role in 2022 after Wayne Pivac’s dismissal. His initial contract ran until the 2023 World Cup, where Wales reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Argentina. The WRU then extended his deal to 2027, including a break clause in the summer.
However, Wales’ struggles in 2024 have been severe. After finishing last in the Six Nations for the first time in 21 years, they began this year’s championship with a heavy defeat to France, failing to score a single point, followed by a loss to Italy in Rome.
Despite these setbacks, Gatland recently expressed his commitment to the role, stating:
“It’s not the easiest position to be in, but you have to be strong. The players are working incredibly hard. We talked about continuing to work hard and staying tight as a group.”
Potential Long-Term Successors
The WRU is reportedly considering several candidates for the permanent head coach position. Ireland assistant Simon Easterby, currently filling in for Andy Farrell during the British & Irish Lions tour, and Glasgow’s Franco Smith are seen as potential options. Other available coaches include Graham Rowntree, Stuart Lancaster, and Michael Cheika, who will be a free agent after his Leicester contract expires.
Gatland’s exit marks the first time a head coach has departed during a Six Nations campaign since Mike Ruddock resigned from Wales in 2006, just 11 months after winning a Grand Slam.
What’s Next for Wales?
With home matches against Ireland and England, as well as a trip to Scotland remaining in this year’s Six Nations, Wales will be looking to break their worst losing streak in Test history under new leadership.
