Nigel Owens reveals the 'real reason' Warren Gatland resigned as Wales boss

02/13/2025 05:04 PM

Welsh rugby legend Nigel Owens has weighed in on Warren Gatland's departure, calling it a "sad time" as Wales struggle through the Six Nations.

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Owens, who officiated 100 Test matches before retiring in 2020, urged fans to remember the golden years under Gatland's first reign.

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Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Owens reflected on the highs of Gatland's tenure:

“It’s a sad time for Welsh rugby when you lose a coach halfway through the Six Nations with the poor run we are on now.”

“You have got to remember the success he has brought to Wales – two World Cup semi-finals, and we could have won it in 2011. We must not forget that.”

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Owens also highlighted the stark difference between the squads from Gatland's two stints.

“I'm not saying we don't have world-class players now – we still have a few – but we don't have enough.”

“Back then, we had the likes of Josh Navidi, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton, Shane Williams… those players aren't there anymore. We haven't got that pedigree now.”

What next for Wales?

With Wales struggling to find form, Gatland's departure only adds to the uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby's future. Will a new coach bring back the glory days, or is this just the beginning of a long rebuild?

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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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