Warren Gatland has officially left his position as the head coach of Wales during the ongoing Six Nations Championship after a record-breaking 14 successive Test match defeats. Despite being contracted to stay on until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the 61-year-old New Zealander and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have agreed to part ways by mutual consent.
Gatland’s departure comes at a difficult time for Welsh rugby, which has been under significant pressure both on and off the field. As the Six Nations tournament progresses, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remaining three fixtures of the 2025 competition. This decision marks a new chapter for Welsh rugby as they navigate the challenges ahead.
The End of an Era: Warren Gatland’s Departure from Wales
Warren Gatland’s exit as head coach of Wales marks the end of an era for one of the most successful periods in Welsh rugby history. Gatland, who previously coached the team from 2007 to 2019, had returned in December 2022 to replace Wayne Pivac following a turbulent period for Welsh rugby. His return was hoped to restore the team to its former glory, but the results over his second stint have been less than favorable.
Despite a record that includes three Grand Slam victories and two World Cup semi-finals during his first term, Gatland has struggled to replicate those successes upon his return. His tenure has been marred by a series of losses, including a winless 2024 Six Nations campaign, marking a historical low for Welsh rugby. The WRU confirmed that Gatland initiated talks about his future after a heavy defeat to Italy on 3 February 2025, a match that further highlighted the team’s struggles. Both Gatland and the WRU agreed that it was in the best interest of the Wales squad to part ways at this point in time.
Wales’ Record Under Gatland: A Rollercoaster Journey
Warren Gatland’s second stint as Wales head coach has been one of the most challenging periods in his long coaching career. After taking over from Wayne Pivac, Gatland was tasked with turning around Wales’ fortunes. Unfortunately, results did not come as hoped.
Throughout the 2024 Six Nations, Wales failed to secure a victory, finishing bottom of the table for the first time in 21 years. The team’s 43-0 defeat to France in the opening game was a significant blow to both Gatland’s position and Wales’ hopes for a competitive Six Nations. This marked the beginning of a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a loss to Italy in Rome, which sealed Gatland’s fate as head coach.
Prior to the 2024 Six Nations, Gatland had managed just one win during the 2023 campaign. However, his leadership did help guide Wales to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The team had a difficult start, but they showed resilience in reaching the knockout stages. Despite this, the World Cup campaign could not mask the issues plaguing the team in the Six Nations and other international fixtures.
As the 2025 Six Nations progressed, Gatland’s record continued to deteriorate. His departure came after a total of 14 consecutive Test match defeats, making his tenure statistically the worst in Welsh rugby history.
The Impact of Gatland’s Departure on Wales Rugby
Gatland’s departure is undoubtedly a significant moment for Welsh rugby, which is now in a period of transition. For Wales, Gatland’s exit leaves a gap at the top of the coaching structure, and the WRU will need to act quickly to find a permanent replacement.
Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remaining three games of the Six Nations, with the WRU confirming that they want to have a permanent successor in place before Wales’ summer tour to Japan. Sherratt’s role will be critical, as he will oversee the team during what is already proving to be a challenging Six Nations campaign.
The WRU has stated that “all options are open” when it comes to finding a permanent head coach, with several prominent names being considered for the role. The future of Wales rugby will depend on the strategic decisions made in the coming months, as the organization looks to rebuild the team and its fortunes.
Potential Successors for Gatland: Who Will Lead Wales Next?
As Wales moves forward from the departure of Warren Gatland, the search for a permanent head coach will be of paramount importance. With Wales having experienced one of their most challenging periods under Gatland’s second stint, the WRU is eager to bring in someone capable of revitalizing the team.
Several names have been floated as potential candidates to replace Gatland, and some prominent coaches are already in the mix. Among the leading contenders are Michael Cheika, the former Australia head coach, Franco Smith, the current Glasgow head coach, and Simon Easterby, the interim boss of Ireland.
Each of these coaches brings a wealth of experience to the table, and their potential arrival in Wales could signal a new direction for the national team. The WRU will likely be considering factors such as coaching style, experience in international rugby, and their ability to develop young talent as they search for the right individual to take the reins.
Michael Cheika, with his vast experience at the international level, could be an ideal candidate to bring new ideas to the team. Cheika previously coached Australia to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, and his experience with other teams could prove invaluable in revitalizing Wales. Similarly, Franco Smith has impressed with his work at Glasgow, while Simon Easterby is already familiar with the Welsh rugby environment through his role with Ireland.
The Challenges Ahead for Wales Rugby
Regardless of who is appointed as the next head coach, the challenges facing Wales rugby remain significant. The team has suffered a series of losses, and it will take time for a new coach to rebuild the team’s morale and confidence. Additionally, the ongoing financial issues surrounding Welsh rugby, including the strike threat and the uncertainties over funding, will need to be addressed to ensure long-term success.
Wales has a proud rugby heritage, but the recent struggles have highlighted the need for change. The WRU must ensure that the necessary structures are in place to support the national team and provide the resources needed for future success. This includes nurturing young talent, improving the pathways for future players, and addressing the broader issues affecting Welsh rugby as a whole.
The Legacy of Warren Gatland in Wales Rugby
Despite his departure under difficult circumstances, Warren Gatland’s legacy in Welsh rugby cannot be overlooked. As the longest-serving and most decorated head coach in Welsh rugby history, Gatland oversaw one of the most successful periods in the nation’s history. His tenure included three Grand Slam victories and numerous memorable moments on the international stage.
While his second stint did not yield the same level of success, Gatland’s contributions to Welsh rugby are undeniable. His leadership, particularly during the 2000s and 2010s, helped Wales become a competitive force on the world stage. His expertise and ability to develop talent have had a lasting impact on Welsh rugby, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Wales Rugby?
Warren Gatland’s departure as head coach of Wales marks the end of a challenging chapter for the national team. With his exit during the Six Nations, the WRU faces an uncertain future, but the decision to part ways was deemed necessary for the betterment of the team.
The task now falls to interim head coach Matt Sherratt to guide Wales through the remaining Six Nations fixtures. Meanwhile, the WRU must focus on finding a permanent successor who can take the team in a new direction and help restore Wales to its competitive best. With the summer tour to Japan on the horizon, time is of the essence as the WRU seeks to secure a new coach capable of leading Wales into the future.
Wales rugby remains one of the most storied teams in the sport, and while the recent setbacks have been difficult, the team’s potential is vast. With the right leadership, Wales can look forward to a brighter future in international rugby.
