Statement: Wales confirm replacement for Warren Gatland

Today at 08:56 AM

Matt Sherratt has been announced as the new head coach for Wales for the remainder of the Six Nations as Warren Gatland has departed his role.

Find your local Greene King pub and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Sherratt became the Cardiff Rugby head coach in 2023 but has had previous coaching roles at the Ospreys, Worcester and Bristol. He will have a press conference at 3pm after training with Cardiff this morning.

Speaking on the announcement, WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: ""The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament.

"We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won.

"The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament.

"We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won.
Warren Gatland reached out to the WRU on Monday to discuss his future as the boss of Wales, he said: "

"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 I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, to all the players who have played for me and to all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years. I wish whoever takes over all the best for the future.

"Finally, I want to say a big thank you to the Welsh fans."

POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS:

Wales are already lining up long-term successors, with Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby and Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith the two standout contenders.

Easterby, currently leading Ireland in an interim capacity while Andy Farrell focuses on the British & Irish Lions, has made a strong start to the Six Nations with wins over England and Scotland.

A former Ireland international, the 49-year-old spent most of his playing career with the Scarlets before moving into coaching, first at the Welsh club and then on the international stage in 2014.

A trusted figure in both Joe Schmidt and Farrell's Ireland set-ups, Easterby has been a key part of the most successful period in the nation's history.

Notably, he still lives in Cowbridge—just a stone's throw from Wales’ training base at the Vale Resort—giving him deep knowledge of the Welsh rugby landsca

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