Rugby Union
Warren Gatland Sacked By Wales Mid Six Nations Tournament After Fourteen Straight Defeats
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Get to know James Chittick betterPublished11 Feb 2025
Wales coach Warren Gatland has been sacked midway through this year’s Guinness Six Nations after his side lost 22-15 to Italy at the weekend.
The Welsh have now lost a record 14 straight test matches and are on the worst run of their 144-year international history.
Gatland, 61, was expected to depart after the Six Nations despite being contracted until the 2027 World Cup.
But following a 43-0 thumping against and a lacklustre defeat in Rome, the WRU have decided to part ways during the Six Nations.
With three games remaining in this year’s competition, Wales are now looking for an interim coach.
Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt has reportedly been approached, while Wales attack coach Rob Howley has previously stepped in temporarily.
Wales have Scotland on 8 March. They then host England on 15 March in their fifth and final Six Nations game.
Wales Search For New Coach As Warren Gatland Sacked
There are several big names in the running to succeed Warren Gatland permanently.
Former Australia coach Michael Cheika is one. He is currently coaching Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership but opted not to extend his one-year deal.
Others linked include Ireland’s interim boss, Simon Easterby. Easterby has strong links to Wales, having spent most of his career playing in Llanelli for the Scarlets.
Glasgow coach Franco Smith is also being considered.
Wales’ Worst Ever Run Of Defeats
Never before in 144 years of Welsh international rugby has the side lost this many in a row.
Fourteen test defeats is a historic low for the proud rugby nation, who last won a test against Georgia in the 2023 World Cup pool stages.
They beat the Barbarians in a non-capped game since then, but have not won a competitive fixture in more than a full year.
Such is Wales’ slump that they have dropped to 12th in the World Rankings – their lowest ever position.
Gatland’s first stint in charge saw them win multiple Grand Slams and reach two World Cup semi-finals.
But since returning to the head coach job, Wales have won just six of 26 tests, and they are now ranked lower than Georgia.