Warren Gatland Confirmed as Wales Head Coach for 2025 Six Nations Following Performance Review

Warren Gatland, who served as Wales head coach from 2007 to 2019 before returning for his second tenure in December 2022, will continue in his role for the 2025 Six Nations tournament. This decision comes despite Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney acknowledging that his position had been “on the line.” The 61-year-old Gatland has overseen a period that is statistically the worst in Wales’ 143-year international rugby history, marked by a record 12 consecutive Test match defeats. While Nigel Walker, the WRU executive director of rugby, has resigned, Gatland, whose contract extends until the 2027 World Cup, will remain in his post for the time being. Wales is scheduled to commence their Six Nations campaign against France in Paris on Friday, 31 January, before traveling to face Italy eight days later. Following autumn defeats against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa, the WRU had announced a review into team performances, which was led by Tierney. Tierney presented the findings of this review to a WRU board meeting earlier this week. Although Gatland, a New Zealander, retains his position, he has been informed that a further review of performances will be conducted after the tournament concludes. “I have had a number of honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret of the fact his position was on the line as we undertook our review,” stated Tierney. She further elaborated, “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 this is a situation that will continue to intensify.” Tierney concluded, “There is a tough challenge ahead but Warren is more than up for that challenge. We also believe he is equal to it.” Tierney indicated that the WRU board had considered more extensive immediate changes but ultimately determined that challenging Gatland to improve Wales’ on-field fortunes was the most effective strategy. “We have assessed in detail the planning and preparation, the enabling and controllable factors which are the responsibility of the coaches as well as the culture in camp, the mental fortitude of players, their experiences to date and their own heartfelt thoughts on the direction of travel for the squad,” Tierney explained. She added, “We have included expertise and opinion from a wide range of reputable and knowledgeable sources and we have seen what many pundits and fans have expressed, that we are not performing to our potential at the moment.” Gatland previously enjoyed a successful 12-year period as Wales coach before his departure after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. However, since returning for his second stint in charge, replacing fellow countryman Wayne Pivac in December 2022, Gatland has overseen six victories and 18 losses in 24 Tests, resulting in a win ratio of just 25%. Gatland’s squad secured only one win in the 2023 Six Nations, but the former British and Irish Lions coach did succeed in galvanising the Wales squad to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup. Wales’ most recent Test victory came against Georgia in the World Cup pool stages in October 2023, preceding their defeat by Argentina in the last eight of that tournament. In 2024, Wales finished bottom of the Six Nations for the first time in 21 years and recorded 11 losses overall. This marked the first calendar year since 1937 in which Wales’ men’s side failed to achieve an international win. Wales has since slipped to a World Rugby ranking low of 11th, a stark contrast to when Gatland was at the helm as they reached the top spot in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup. Gatland commented, “I’ve been honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge. As well as that I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results.” He expressed, “I am pleased to have the support of Abi and the board to take the squad into the Six Nations.” Gatland affirmed, “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.” He concluded, “We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success and on winning during the 2025 campaign.” Some key recommendations from the review are now scheduled for implementation, including the consideration of changes to Gatland’s backroom staff before the Six Nations commences. Tierney will also undertake a review of the high-performance structure at the WRU and implement necessary changes following Walker’s resignation. In the short term, Huw Bevan, currently interim head of performance, and community director Geraint John will assume Walker’s executive duties. A new director of professional rugby is expected to be recruited in 2025. Additionally, a new high-performance advisory panel, which will include former senior players, is being appointed and is expected to be operational in 2025. This panel will also be an integral component of long-term changes to the WRU’s high-performance structure, with these alterations specifically designed to directly benefit the women’s high-performance game. Further planned changes before the 2025 men’s Six Nations include enhancing mentoring support for players through the employment of new mental skills resources.