Warren Gatland has officially stepped down as Wales head coach during the Six Nations after overseeing a brutal 14-match losing streak.
Find your local Greene King pub and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The 61-year-old, who was under contract until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, has left by mutual consent, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed.
Who’s taking over?
Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt has been appointed interim head coach for the final three rounds of the tournament.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney revealed that Gatland himself initiated discussions about his future following Wales’ embarrassing loss to Italy on Saturday, with both parties agreeing an immediate change was “in the best interests” of the squad.
What did Gatland say?
In a statement, Gatland reflected on his decision to step away:
“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’s legendary Lions legacy
While his second stint with Wales ends in disappointment, Gatland remains one of the most successful coaches in British & Irish Lions history.
He led the famous touring side on three consecutive tours—beating Australia in 2013, drawing with New Zealand in 2017, and losing narrowly to South Africa in 2021. He was also part of the backroom staff under Ian McGeechan in 2009.
What’s next for Gatland?
RUCK sources suggest Gatland has been in talks with Sky Sports to join their punditry team for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. With his departure from Wales now confirmed, expect an announcement in the coming weeks.
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The four main contenders to replace Warren Gatland as Wales boss
Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt will step in as interim head coach for the remaining three Six Nations fixtures while continuing his commitments with Cardiff for their upcoming game against Connacht.
However, the decision has left many Welsh fans puzzled, as no long-term replacement has been confirmed. So, who is next in line to take on the challenge of reviving Welsh rugby?
Here are five leading candidates for the job.
1. Michael Cheika – Leicester Tigers Head Coach
Cheika is currently leading Leicester Tigers on a one-year deal, which he is not expected to extend beyond this season. That could open the door for Wales to swoop in for the experienced Australian.
With previous head coaching stints at Australia and Argentina, Cheika boasts significant international pedigree. Ironically, he masterminded Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Wales at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Cheika is the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Gatland. However, if Wales opt for him, they may need an interim coach to bridge the gap until the end of his Leicester tenure—a potential complication, particularly with Wales’ summer tour of Japan carrying major implications for World Cup seeding.
2. Simon Easterby – Ireland Head Coach (Interim)
Currently standing in for Andy Farrell as Ireland’s head coach while Farrell prepares for the British and Irish Lions tour, Easterby has been part of the Irish coaching setup since 2014. Before that, he gained experience coaching at the Scarlets.
Although this Six Nations marks his first stint as an international head coach, his familiarity with the Welsh game makes him a compelling candidate. The WRU will have the opportunity to directly assess his credentials throughout the tournament before making a move.
Easterby is joint-third favourite with bookmakers and has strong backing from sections of the Welsh fanbase.
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