Over the years, Warren Gatland has been used to attending the annual launch of the Six Nations knowing his Wales team will be among the Championship’s contenders.
But as he posed for pictures alongside his fellow coaches in Rome’s iconic Colosseum on Tuesday, Gatland found himself in the unusual position of underdog.
His Wales team are favourites to finish bottom of the pile in 2025, a year after going winless to pick up the dreaded wooden spoon. Gatland’s Wales have lost their last 12 Tests.
But after leaving the venue symbolic with Italian history and gladiatorial contests, Gatland came out fighting.
He said he would welcome Louis Rees-Zammit back to rugby in a heartbeat and insisted Wales’ backs-to-the-wall status can suit them well.
‘We’re in a nice position. There is no expectation. People are writing us off,’ Gatland said. ‘I said before the World Cup write us off at your peril and I’ll say the same again now.’
Warren Gatland (right) and Wales will be keen to put last year’s poor Six Nations behind them
France and Wales will kick off the 2025 Six Nations Championship on Friday January 25
Gatland is used to his Wales team being contenders – but now they head in as underdogs
Gatland has never been a man afraid of making a bullish comment. In 2019, he predicted that if Wales won their first game in Paris, they would go on to win a Grand Slam. His team did exactly that.
Six years on, Gatland’s Wales again have France away to start, although things couldn’t be more different. After a horror 2024, Gatland just about hung on to his job following a review into his position – one which was completed by the Welsh Rugby Union before Christmas.
Welsh rugby is in a whole world of trouble across the board. There remains a very real possibility this Six Nations could be Gatland’s last campaign in charge.
‘We need to create a siege mentality going to Paris,’ he said.
‘It’s going to be a tough challenge. This is the best rugby tournament in the world. The games aren’t just games, they’re occasions.’
At his squad unveiling earlier this month, Gatland questioned whether those who took part in the review into his operation – including Wales’ players – were qualified to do so.
At the time, he said: ‘What has their experience been in a professional winning environment? None of them have really had that experience, so how do they know what that looks like?’
Gatland’s comments attracted criticism, including from his former Wales captain Ellis Jenkins. ‘I was making a general comment,’ Gatland said in response. ‘I wasn’t trying to be critical of anyone.’
Gatland admitted that he would welcome Louis Rees-Zammit back to rugby in a heartbeat after the former Wales international switched sports to follow his dream of playing in the NFL
In a boost for Gatland, Taulupe Faletau is set to be available for Wales’ opener against France
In good news for Gatland, he revealed that at this stage he expects all of his squad to be available to face France a week on Friday. That includes the returning Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams and Josh Adams – key, experienced figures of successful past Wales sides.
No 8 Faletau hasn’t played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup due to a series of serious injuries. His latest problem has been to a knee, but if fit he will surely start in Paris.
‘At the moment, the update from the medical team is that everyone should be available for selection for the first game. We had Taulupe in during the autumn,’ Gatland said.
‘It was obvious then even though he wasn’t 100 per cent what a quality and experienced international he is. He’s worked really hard in the last year or two to get back.
‘He’s motivated to have a really good Six Nations with what is a really big carrot at the end of the season in terms of a Lions tour. He wants to make an impression because he’s motivated for that.’
Gatland also spoke about another player who is not in his squad – Rees-Zammit.
The former winger left rugby for the NFL this time last year and is currently a free agent after stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars.
It is understood Rees-Zammit has been offered the chance to return to the Jaguars, although nothing has been confirmed for now. Rees-Zammit is currently in limbo.
Ireland, who won the 2024 Six Nations, face England in their first test of this year’s tournament
Wales are favourites to finish bottom of the pile in 2025, a year after going winless to pick up the dreaded wooden spoon (Welsh players pictured after losing to Italy in the 2024 Six Nations)
‘We would love to have him back if he was available to us,’ Gatland said of Rees-Zammit, who scored 14 tries in 32 rugby Tests before switching sports.
‘We’re just waiting to see what happens. My understanding is he has an approach in terms of being retained by Jacksonville.
‘Whenever he wants to come back, he’d be more than welcome back in the fold. I’d welcome him back with open arms. I haven’t spoken to him.
‘He’s only been away for 12 months. When you make such a big decision in terms of trying to follow your dreams, is 12 months enough to say you’ve tried? I don’t know what the answer to that is.
‘I just know if he does decide to come back, then there’ll be a spot for him. I continue to wish him all the best.’
Whatever happens in the future, Rees-Zammit certainly won’t be a part of Wales’ 2025 Six Nations campaign. This is set to be another tough campaign for Gatland and Co.
Their second-round clash with Italy in Rome is a huge fixture. Lose that one and it would not be a surprise to see the WRU dispense with Gatland’s services.
Doing so in March would not be financially ruinous for Welsh rugby, as it would have been if they’d sacked Gatland in December. The fact is Wales desperately need a win.
Gatland admitted he has not spoken to Rees-Zammit despite wishing to welcome him back
The WRU review did recommend the potential for changes to Gatland’s backroom team and the head honcho himself suggested earlier this month that was imminent.
Wales have been linked with a move for their former prop Adam Jones, who is currently coaching with Harlequins.
‘There is nothing for us to announce at the moment. When we’re able to do that – and hopefully it will be soon – hopefully, we can make an announcement,’ Gatland said.
