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Warren Gatland News | Latest Coaching Changes & Team Talks

February 12, 2025

9 minute read

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Warren Gatland has been a defining figure in Welsh rugby, shaping the national team with his tactical approach and leadership. His recent resignation as Wales head coach has sent shockwaves across the rugby community, leaving many questioning the future of Welsh rugby.

Whether you have followed Gatland’s career from the beginning or are just catching up with the latest developments, his departure is a pivotal moment for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

In this blog, we will explore why Gatland stepped down, how his second tenure with Wales unfolded, and what this means for the future of Welsh rugby. We will also discuss potential replacements, player reactions, and Gatland’s next move in the rugby world.

Who Is Warren Gatland?

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Warren Gatland is a renowned rugby coach with a legacy built on discipline, tactical expertise, and leadership. Born in New Zealand, he first made his mark as a player before transitioning into coaching. Over the years, he has guided teams to trophies, historic wins, and remarkable transformations.

His coaching journey with Wales began in 2007, leading the team through some of their most successful years, including multiple Six Nations titles. His ability to develop players and implement structured game plans made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.

During his second spell with Wales, which started in 2022, he faced different challenges, including a struggling team and internal conflicts within the WRU. Despite his previous successes, his return did not yield the expected results, ultimately leading to his resignation.

Gatland’s contributions to rugby extend beyond Wales, as he has also coached the British & Irish Lions and worked with teams in New Zealand and England. His impact on the game is undeniable, making his next move a point of great interest for rugby fans.

Why Did Warren Gatland Resign as Wales Head Coach?

Warren Gatland’s resignation as Wales head coach was driven by multiple factors, including poor team performance, conflicts with the WRU, and concerns about player development.

Key Reasons Behind His Departure

Struggles in the Six Nations: Wales failed to make an impact in the recent tournaments, leading to frustration among fans and officials.
Internal Conflicts With WRU: Reports suggest disagreements over squad selection, training methods, and future planning.
Player Development Issues: Younger players did not develop as expected under his system, leading to concerns about the team’s long-term future.
Public and Media Pressure: With Wales underperforming, Gatland faced increased scrutiny, making it difficult to continue in his role.
Coaching Fatigue: After spending years in high-pressure roles, Gatland may have felt it was time to step away and explore new opportunities.

His departure marks the end of an era for Wales, raising significant questions about what comes next for the national team.

How Did Wales Perform Under Warren Gatland in the Six Nations?

Warren Gatland’s return to Wales was expected to revive their Six Nations fortunes, but the results were disappointing. Despite his past success, the team struggled to compete, finishing at the bottom in recent tournaments.

Performance Overview

2023 Six Nations: Wales won only one match, finishing near the bottom of the table.
2024 Six Nations: Hopes were high for improvement but defeats to England, Ireland, and Scotland confirmed a downward trend.
Lack of Attacking Threat: The team’s offensive play looked stagnant, struggling to score tries against stronger opponents.
Defensive Weaknesses: Defensive errors and inconsistencies in selection hurt Wales’ ability to compete at a high level.
Leadership Issues: Gatland experimented with different captaincy choices, but none provided the stability needed.

His inability to turn things around played a major role in his decision to step down. The WRU now faces the challenge of finding a coach who can rebuild the team and restore its competitive edge.

Who Could Replace Warren Gatland as Wales’ Next Coach?

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Wales have turned to Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt as their short-term replacement for Warren Gatland, with the Englishman overseeing the team until the end of the Six Nations.

This decision reflects the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) urgency to stabilise the team while they search for a long-term successor.

Why Matt Sherratt?

Sherratt has built a strong reputation at Cardiff, known for his player management skills and attacking strategies. His experience in the Welsh domestic setup makes him a natural choice for a transitional role.

Challenges Ahead for Sherratt

Limited Time: With only a few games left in the Six Nations, making a significant impact will be challenging.
Pressure to Perform: The expectations are high, especially after Wales’ recent struggles.
Squad Adjustments: He may need to introduce new tactical approaches while managing existing team dynamics.

Although his role is currently temporary, his performance could influence the WRU’s long-term coaching decision. If Wales improves significantly under his guidance, he could be considered for the permanent position.

What Went Wrong During Gatland’s Second Stint With Wales?

Gatland’s second term as Wales head coach did not go as planned, with the team experiencing one of its toughest periods.

Major Issues Faced:

Lack of Squad Depth: Injuries and retirements left Wales with a weakened squad, unable to match top teams.
Tactical Stagnation: Gatland’s strategies seemed outdated against modern rugby trends.
Player Management Concerns: Reports suggest tension between Gatland and some senior players.
Failure to Inspire: Unlike his first term, where he motivated players effectively, this time the team lacked confidence.

While his first spell brought success, his return in 2022 did not achieve the same results. This ultimately led to his resignation and the WRU’s decision to move in a new direction.

How Has the WRU Responded to Gatland’s Departure?

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has faced significant pressure following Warren Gatland’s resignation. The governing body has acted swiftly by appointing Matt Sherratt on an interim basis, ensuring the team has stability through the remainder of the Six Nations.

WRU’s Immediate Actions

Appointment of an Interim Coach: The selection of Matt Sherratt ensures continuity and leadership in the short term.
Review of Squad Performance: The WRU has hinted at a detailed review of Wales’ recent performances to identify underlying issues.
Search for a Permanent Head Coach: The focus will now be on finding a long-term solution to rebuild the team ahead of future tournaments.

Public & Media Reaction

The WRU’s decision to bring in Sherratt has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe it provides stability, while others argue that Wales needs a more experienced international coach.

The governing body will have to navigate these concerns while ensuring that the team does not fall further behind its rivals in world rugby.

Where Could Warren Gatland Coach Next?

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Following his departure from Wales, speculation is growing about Warren Gatland’s next coaching role. Despite the challenges in his second stint with Wales, he remains one of the most respected coaches in world rugby.

Potential Destinations for Gatland

New Zealand Rugby: Given his Kiwi roots, a return to New Zealand’s domestic or national setup could be on the cards. With the All Blacks coaching staff undergoing changes, there might be an opportunity for him in some capacity.
British & Irish Lions: Gatland has previously coached the Lions and could be in the running for another tour, given his deep understanding of the squad dynamics.
Club Rugby in England or France: Some of the top clubs in the Gallagher Premiership and Top 14 could be interested in his experience.
Other International Teams: With teams like Australia and South Africa evaluating their coaching structures, Gatland could be considered for a role with a different national side.

Future Considerations

While Gatland has not announced his next move, he is unlikely to stay away from rugby for long. Whether it is in an advisory role, club management, or another international coaching job, his expertise will continue to be in demand.

What Impact Will Gatland’s Resignation Have on Welsh Rugby?

Warren Gatland’s exit has left Welsh rugby at a crossroads. His departure signifies the end of a coaching era, forcing the WRU to reconsider its long-term strategy.

Short-Term Effects

Lack of Stability: Wales now faces uncertainty, with an interim coach in place and no clear long-term vision.
Performance Concerns: The squad’s morale and tactical consistency could be impacted in upcoming matches.
Recruitment and Selection Challenges: With a new coaching staff incoming, player selections and playing style may undergo changes.

Long-Term Considerations

Rebuilding the Squad: The next coach will need to restructure the team, introducing new talent while addressing existing weaknesses.
Restoring Fan Confidence: The Welsh supporters expect the team to compete at the highest level, and a poor transition could impact the public’s trust in the WRU.
Shaping the Future of Welsh Rugby: This change presents an opportunity to modernise the team’s playing style and leadership structure.

Gatland’s resignation marks a pivotal moment, and how the WRU manages the transition will determine whether Wales can return to its former dominance.

How Are Players Reacting to Warren Gatland’s Exit?

The response from Wales’ players has been mixed, with some expressing gratitude for his leadership while others acknowledge that a new direction was necessary.

Key Reactions From Players

Senior Players: Many of Wales’ veteran players have spoken highly of Gatland, praising his tactical knowledge and leadership. However, some have hinted that the team needed a fresh approach.
Younger Players: Several up-and-coming talents have shared their respect for Gatland, but also see this as an opportunity for change.
Former Players & Rugby Pundits: Some ex-Wales internationals believe Gatland’s departure was inevitable given the team’s struggles in the past two years.

Looking Ahead

The challenge for Matt Sherratt and the next head coach will be to rebuild confidence in the squad, ensuring that players remain focused amid the ongoing coaching transition.

What Is Gatland’s Legacy as Wales’ Head Coach?

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Despite his challenging second stint, Warren Gatland’s legacy with Wales remains undeniably impressive. His first tenure (2007-2019) was one of the most successful periods in Welsh rugby history.

Gatland’s Achievements With Wales

Three Grand Slams in the Six Nations (2008, 2012, 2019)
Two Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Appearances (2011, 2019)
Multiple Six Nations Titles
Developing World-Class Players such as Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton, and George North
Transforming Wales into a Top-Tier Rugby Nation

Final Evaluation:

Although his second spell (2022-2024) did not bring the same success, his contributions over the years have left a lasting impact on Welsh rugby. He will be remembered as one of the most influential coaches in the country’s history.

What’s Next for Wales Rugby After This Coaching Change?

The Welsh Rugby Union now faces the challenge of rebuilding after Gatland’s departure. The next steps will define the future direction of the team.

Key Areas for Improvement

Appointment of a Permanent Head Coach: The WRU must finalise a long-term coaching plan to ensure continuity.
Squad Development: Wales needs a stronger talent pipeline, focusing on younger players and a balanced team structure.
Tactical Adjustments: The team must evolve its playing style to compete with the likes of Ireland, England, and France.
Restoring Confidence Among Fans: The WRU must work on rebuilding trust and excitement within the Welsh rugby community.

Future Outlook:

If the right decisions are made, Wales has the potential to return to the top of international rugby. However, failure to address these issues could see the team struggling for years to come.

Conclusion

Warren Gatland’s departure from Wales is a significant moment in rugby history. His first tenure was highly successful, but his second stint did not meet expectations. Now, the WRU faces the challenge of rebuilding the team and finding the right successor.

With Wales struggling in the Six Nations, questions remain about who will step in and how they will address the current issues. Meanwhile, Gatland’s next move in rugby will be closely watched, as he remains a highly respected coach in the sport.

The future of Welsh rugby now hinges on the decisions made in the coming months. Fans will be eager to see whether Wales can regain its former glory or if challenges will continue to persist.