By Paul Jones
Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales coach midway through the Six Nations, with his team on a national-record losing streak of 14 matches.
The decision was announced by the Welsh Rugby Union on Tuesday, three days after a 22-15 loss to Italy that appears to have sealed the New Zealander’s fate.
Matt Sherratt, the head coach of Cardiff, will take over for the remainder of the Six Nations.
The WRU said Gatland’s departure was by mutual consent.
In a statement, Gatland said: “I would like to thank the WRU Board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and affording me the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament.
“We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change.
“I’ve reached the end of this particular chapter, but remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, the players who have played for me and all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years.”
Gatland, one of the world’s most highly-respected coaches, returned for a second spell in charge of Wales ahead of the 2023 World Cup but it has damaged his legacy.
But the team’s last win was back in 2023. Gatland was kept on by the WRU despite a winless autumn but was warned performances had to improve — and they haven’t.
After starting with back-to-back losses in the Six Nations — to France, then Italy — Wales are quite likely to finish in last place for the second straight year, and that’s never happened in the tournament’s 142-year history.
Gatland was revered for his first stint as coach, during which he won the Six Nations four times — completing the Grand Slam on three occasions — and led the team to the World Cup semifinals in 2011 and 2019.
It helped him become the head coach of the British & Irish Lions touring team a record three times, winning the test series in Australia in 2013, drawing in New Zealand in 2017 and losing in South Africa four years later.
Sherratt spent time with the Wales team in 2017 while Gatland was on duty with the Lions.
“Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time,” the WRU said. “It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’ call.”
“The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament,” said Tierney.
“We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won.
“Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’s call and is also testament to the strong relationship that now exists throughout the Welsh professional game that Cardiff Rugby are fully supportive of the move.
“Matt will return to Cardiff Rugby after the Six Nations in order to concentrate his efforts on what is already a promising campaign for our capital club.
“Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before this summer’s two-Test tour to Japan, with all options open.”
Sherratt became Cardiff head coach in 2023 but has also been attack coach and coached at the Ospreys, Bristol and Worcester.