Pat Lam is now bookies favourite for Six Nations coaching role
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Wales’ disastrous Six Nations campaign came to a predictable end last weekend, securing back-to-back wooden spoons for the first time in their history. Warren Gatland walked away after just two matches, leaving Cardiff Rugby boss Matt Sherratt to pick up the pieces as interim coach.
Sherratt, however, made it clear he wasn't interested in the role long-term, and with his stint now over, he's back at Arms Park. Attention has swiftly turned to finding Gatland's permanent successor, with a host of high-profile names being thrown into the ring.
Who's Leading the Race?
Initially, the frontrunners were Ireland’s interim boss Simon Easterby, Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith, and outgoing Leicester Tigers man Michael Cheika. However, Easterby looks set to link up with Andy Farrell on the British and Irish Lions coaching ticket this summer, while Smith appears poised to succeed Gregor Townsend if Scotland opts for change.
This has opened the door for Bristol Bears' Pat Lam, who now leads the betting. William Hill spokesman Lee Phelpscommented:
"After securing an unwanted Six Nations wooden spoon, Wales now shifts focus to appointing a new head coach to bring life back into the team. Pat Lam leads the charge at 2/1, but it's by no means a done deal. Franco Smith (7/2), Michael Cheika (9/2), and Simon Easterby (11/2) are all firmly in the running."
Lam Leads the Market
Lam, who has been with Bristol Bears since 2017, is no stranger to turning struggling sides around. Despite Bristol's inconsistency this season, Lam's experience and reputation as a culture builder have made him the bookies' favourite.
Odds for Next Wales Head Coach:
Pat Lam – 2/1
Franco Smith – 7/2
Michael Cheika – 9/2
Simon Easterby – 11/2
Stuart Lancaster – 10/1
Steve Tandy – 10/1
Graham Rowntree – 10/1
Dwayne Peel – 10/1
Dai Young – 10/1
Matt Sherratt – 12/1
Frans Ludeke – 12/1
Jonathan Humphreys – 12/1
Brad Mooar – 12/1
Joe Schmidt – 16/1
Shaun Edwards – 16/1
Rob Baxter – 20/1
Ronan O'Gara – 25/1
Eddie Jones – 25/1
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WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2025 British & Irish Lions Squad: Bookies' Predictions for the Tour
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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