- Wales did not win a single international across 2024, prompting severe concern
- Warren Gatland rejoined Wales for his second stint in charge in December 2022
- He believes Wales have a ‘huge amount of potential’ to turn around their form
Warren Gatland will remain as Wales head coach for the 2025 Six Nations despite him presiding over a record run for the country of 12 straight Test defeats.
Gatland and Wales failed to win an international in 2024, prompting the Welsh Rugby Union to undertake a detailed review into the performance of the men’s national side.
The review, undertaken by Portas Consulting, consulted Wales’ current squad plus ex-players and experienced figures from within the Welsh game.
Mail Sport understands Wales’ players of today were honest when asked for their feedback on the Gatland regime. Much of the feedback, provided anonymously, was critical.
However, the New Zealander will stay in position nonetheless.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney commissioned a review after Wales lost all three of their autumn games to Fiji, Australia and South Africa.
Warren Gatland will remain Wales head coach for the 2025 Six Nations despite their poor form
The report’s findings were presented to the WRU board this week.
On Friday, the WRU confirmed Gatland was staying in charge but that executive director of rugby Nigel Walker had resigned.
Walker’s position had been under threat after the handling of new contracts for Wales’ women’s players had been criticised.
‘I have had a number of very honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret of the fact that his position was on the line as we undertook our review,’ said Tierney.
‘Like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and that this is a situation that will continue to intensify.
‘There is a tough challenge ahead but Warren is more than up for that challenge.
‘We are also taking immediate steps to build and evolve the team behind the team in a way that makes a significant and positive impact ahead of the 2025 Championship.’
Gatland added: ‘I’ve been pretty honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge. I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results.
Wales are mired in a record run of 12 straight international Test defeats and laucned a review into Gatland’s performance
‘I am pleased to have the support of Abi and the board to take the squad into the Six Nations. This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together to turnaround our fortunes on the pitch. We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success, and on winning during the 2025 campaign.
‘During the review I had the opportunity to explain my thinking, but I also appreciate the feedback and constructive challenge that has been put to me.
‘I’d like to thank the players in particular for their involvement and their honesty. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.’
It is understood that in the coming weeks, there may well be further changes to Gatland’s back-room coaching team.
A further assessment of Wales’ performances will follow the 2025 Championship, meaning Gatland’s long-term job security is by no means absolute. The recommendations of the review will also lead to the WRU introducing a new high-performance advisory panel is which will be up and running in the New Year and will include former senior players.
