Warren Gatland’s Future as Wales Coach to Be Decided Soon

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has described the prevailing negativity surrounding Welsh rugby as challenging. Warren Gatland has reiterated his desire to continue in his role as Wales head coach, even after presiding over what has been the national team’s most unsuccessful year historically. Wales suffered a decisive defeat against South Africa in Cardiff, which extended their record losing streak to 12 consecutive Tests and resulted in a 2024 season without any victories. Gatland, who has faced growing pressure with only six wins from 24 matches since his return to the position in December 2022, confirmed that he has not tendered his resignation, unlike his action after the Six Nations concluded in March. However, he anticipates receiving a decision regarding his future within the next few days, subsequent to a review of the autumn campaign conducted by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). An autumn review two years prior led to the dismissal of Wayne Pivac and Gatland’s reappointment. This raises the question of whether a similar change could occur again. Gatland stated, “Now it’s about letting the dust settle.” He added, “I will chat with the powers that be, as well as my family, and see what happens over the next few days.” Gatland commented, “The last couple of weeks have been challenging in terms of the amount of negativity. You’re only human and it has an impact on you.” He further expressed, “I’m motivated to want to be here. We’ve got a good group of men working hard over the next few months towards the Six Nations, they’re only going to get better.” Gatland also remarked, “Success in the past has papered over the cracks. But now the damn has burst and it’s going to take tale to fix it. It just depends if we get that time.” On Sunday, WRU executives are scheduled to face questions from member clubs during the annual general meeting. Concurrently, the WRU is engaged in ongoing negotiations with all four regions regarding a strategic plan for the professional rugby game in Wales. It appears challenging to resolve one of these issues independently of the other. Gatland stated, “There needs to be change and there needs to be agreement with the regions to put some positive steps in place and affect change.” He continued, “It won’t happen overnight but we need to be bold with our decisions for the future of the game, with investment into the the pathways, the academies and under-20s programme. That should be the lifeblood of the game in Wales.” Gatland added, “Since we disbanded the national academy in 2015, we’re probably a reflection of how the under-20s programme hasn’t been as successful.” Currently, Gatland is proceeding with the assumption that he will remain in his position to oversee his 150th match for Wales, which is the Six Nations opening game against France in Paris on 31 January. A primary focus for him is enhancing the physical conditioning of his squad, which has consistently struggled to match the physicality of opposing teams throughout the year. This challenge is compounded by the youthfulness of his squad. An entire team of new caps has been introduced during 2014, with Freddie Thomas, who came on as a second-half replacement against South Africa, being the 15th uncapped player utilized this year. Gatland commented, “It’s amazing what a difference just over 12 months can do. You lose all those caps and all that experience, it has been challenging. There’s no doubt about that.” He elaborated, “In the past, our cycles have been about building towards World Cups.” Gatland added, “You might lose three or four players but you finish with a squad you hope will be around for the next cycle and the change-over is slow and moderate. But we haven’t had that luxury this time.” While former players, including Tom Shanklin, Mike Phillips, and Alex Cuthbert, have voiced doubts about Gatland’s continued tenure, current squad members have publicly supported the embattled coach. Gatland interprets the team’s performance against South Africa as evidence that he retains the backing of the changing room. Gatland stated, “I came away from today thinking, if these group of players can learn from today and put that amount of effort in, there’s hope going forward.” He concluded, “Some of the youngsters and inexperienced players will learn massively from playing the world champions [and] people should be really proud of that effort.”