Warren Gatland has a new job already after quitting Wales mid-Six Nations
Today at 06:03 AM
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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Six players who flopped in the Six Nations today, one player ‘cost his team’
Ireland bagged their 14th Triple Crown in style, keeping their hopes of a historic third consecutive Six Nations title alive with a nail-biting victory over Wales in Cardiff.
Meanwhile, England edged closer to the business end of the competition, but a missed 79th-minute conversion from Finn Russell saw Scotland's Calcutta Cup winning streak come to a halt at Allianz Stadium.
But let's turn the spotlight onto the five players who didn't quite live up to expectations in today's Six Nations action…
#1. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Planet Rugby 5/10: “Not a game the Scotland co-captain will remember fondly as his goal-kicking proved costly and in the end it was the difference between winning and losing for his side. As expected, he asked plenty of questions of England's defence but his inability to convert any tries will haunt Scotland's fans for some time.”
RUCK 4/10: “Co-captain Russell's kicking was the difference in a heartbreaking result for the Scots, failing to make any of his three conversions from wide areas. While he was reliable away from the tee and all three kicks were near the touchline, there's no looking past his abysmal kicking in a gut-wrenching Scottish defeat which ends their championship hopes.”
Telegraph 5/10: “Missed a tackle for a Lawrence break. No problem finding width, but then what? Missed (tough) conversions were killer. A step back for his Lions hopes.”
#2. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
RUCK 3/10: “Gave away a cheap penalty and a consequential yellow card when Ireland were on the back foot towards the end of the first half which not only gave Wales an easy three points but a bunker review upgrade to a red card took Ringrose out of the game really before he even got into it.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Back in the starting side after coming off the pine against Scotland. Maybe could have scored but for a poor pass from Jamie Osborne and was yellow-carded minutes later for a clumsy challenge that was upgraded to a 20-minute red.”
JOE 5/10: “Was good while he was in the pitch but his red card was costly.”
BALLS.ie: “Did little in attack but stuck all six of his tackles. Unfortunately, one of them was too high on Thomas and he copped a 20-minute red card.”
Planet. Rugby 3/10: “A bad day for the centre, who was red carded for a head-on-head collision with Ben Thomas and will probably sit out the rest of the Six Nations as a result.”
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