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Warren Gatland Steps Down as Wales Rugby Head Coach Amidst Struggling Performance
Warren Gatland, the longest-serving and arguably most successful head coach in the history of Welsh rugby, has left his role as head coach of the national team with immediate effect. The 61-year-old, who initially held the position from 2007 to 2019, returned to lead Wales in 2022 but has faced mounting pressure due to a series of disappointing results. Under Gatland’s leadership, Wales endured 14 consecutive losses, culminating in a dismal performance during the recent autumn internationals and a first-ever defeat to Fiji on home soil.
Despite his past successes, including four Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams, Gatland’s tenure ended with Wales’ poor showing in this year’s Six Nations Championship, marked by a crushing 43-0 loss to France and a narrow defeat to Italy.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed that Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt will take over the role on an interim basis. Gatland had discussed his future with WRU CEO Abi Tierney, and both parties agreed that this change was necessary to benefit the team. Gatland, grateful for the opportunity to lead Wales, acknowledged the team's potential and young talent but agreed that a change was needed at this point.
The WRU expressed its appreciation for Gatland’s contributions, noting his legacy as the most decorated head coach in terms of silverware. Sherratt will guide the team through the remainder of the Six Nations, with a permanent successor to be announced before Wales’ summer fixtures in Japan.