Reports Confirming That Warren Gatland Will Depart Wales Mid-Six Nations
Reports Confirming That Warren Gatland Will Depart Wales Mid-Six Nations
Wales coach Warren Gatland is set to be fired by the Welsh Rugby Union following 14 consecutive defeats and midway through the Guinness Six Nations.
Warren Gatland's tenure as Wales' head coach appears to be coming to an abrupt end, with the Welsh Rugby Union expected to activate a break clause in his contract.
Despite being signed through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the New Zealander’s future is in serious jeopardy following Wales’ record-breaking 14-match losing streak.
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According to WalesOnline, the WRU already has made the decision to part ways with Gatland, with a formal announcement expected soon.
The 60-year-old coach, who returned to the role in late 2022, has endured a torrid time, overseeing a disastrous start to this year’s Six Nations.
Wales suffered a humiliating 43-0 defeat to France in their opening match, followed by a disappointing loss to Italy in what was considered a must-win encounter.
Pressure has intensified on Gatland, with a WRU board meeting scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the possibility of putting him on gardening leave.
If that happens, Wales could appoint an interim coach for the remainder of the tournament.
The team is set to hold its usual press conference on Tuesday, where Gatland’s future likely will dominate discussions.
Easterby And Smith Emerge As Leading Contenders
As the WRU moves swiftly in its search for a long-term successor, two early front-runners have emerged—Simon Easterby and Franco Smith.
Easterby, the current interim Ireland head coach, is a familiar figure in Welsh rugby circles.
The 49-year-old spent the bulk of his playing career with the Scarlets, before transitioning into coaching at the Welsh region.
He has extensive knowledge of the Welsh game and even resides in Cowbridge, near Wales’ Vale Hotel training base. Easterby also is married to Welsh TV presenter Sarra Elgan, further cementing his ties to the country.
Smith, on the other hand, has impressed as the Glasgow Warriors' head coach, leading them to United Rugby Championship glory last season.
The South African has prior international experience, having coached Italy between 2019 and 2021, and he has a personal connection to Welsh rugby, having played for Newport during his career.
With the WRU keen to move quickly, the coming days could be pivotal for Welsh rugby as the team looks to rebuild after a turbulent period under Gatland.
A decision on his immediate future—and his potential successor—could be made as early as this week.
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