Warren Gatland remains as Wales rugby coach but must ‘change fortunes on the pitch’
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Wales coach Warren Gatland's position is under immense scrutiny after the team finished a calendar year without a win for the first time since 1937.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Warren Gatland will remain as Wales rugby coach for the 2025 Six Nations despite a dire run of results, officials announced on Dec 20.
But the veteran New Zealander has been warned by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) that he must start delivering results in what is his second spell in charge of Wales.
November international defeats against Fiji, Australia and world champions South Africa extended Wales’ losing streak to a national record 12 matches.
They have not experienced a Test victory since a pool win over Georgia at the Rugby World Cup in October 2023, with a 45-12 drubbing by the Springboks meaning they finished a calendar year without a win for the first time since 1937.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said she had considered “wholesale immediate change” as part of her review, before deciding that getting Gatland to “change Wales’ fortunes on the pitch was the best approach at this time”.
Former Wales wing Nigel Walker, however, has resigned as WRU executive director of rugby in response to the team’s decline.
“I’ve had a number of very honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret of the fact that his position was on the line as we undertook our review,” Tierney said.
“Further than that, like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and that this is a situation that will continue to intensify.
“There is a tough challenge ahead but Warren is more than up for that challenge. We also believe he is equal to it.”
Gatland may be contracted until the 2027 World Cup but his position is set to reviewed again after the Six Nations, with Wales having a tough start to the tournament away to France in Paris on Jan 31.
“I’ve been pretty honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge, as well as that I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results,” he said.
“I’m pleased to have the support of Abi and the board to take the squad into the Six Nations.
“This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together to turn around our fortunes on the pitch.”
Looking ahead, the 61-year-old added: “We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success and on winning during the 2025 campaign.” AFP
