Wales sack Gatland after losing streak

Warren Gatland is set to leave his role as Wales’s head coach midway through the Six Nations after a record 14 consecutive international defeats, it was widely reported on Tuesday.

Wales, who finished bottom of the Six Nations last year with five defeats, are on course for another embarrassing whitewash after a 22-15 loss in Italy at the weekend.

They face champions Ireland on February 22 in Cardiff before a trip to Scotland and a home fixture against England.

The Daily Mail said official confirmation of Gatland’s departure was likely to come from the Welsh Rugby Union later on Tuesday.

Former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow coach Franco Smith and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby are reportedly in the frame as potential successors.

Wales have slumped to 12th in the world rankings after their nightmare run of results.

Gatland’s position came under formal review after the November internationals.

The New Zealander, contracted until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, admitted last month that his job was on the line after a dire 2024.

“I am conscious and well aware that if things don’t improve, then there is likely to be a change from the union,” he said before the start of the Six Nations.

“I have been pretty straight up about it, but for me, it is about rising to the challenge of making sure we go out there and perform well,” he added.

Gatland, 61, replaced compatriot Wayne Pivac in December 2022.

His second spell as Wales coach has proved markedly less successful than his first, from 2007 to 2019.

That yielded four Six Nations titles — including three Grand Slams — and two appearances in World Cup semi-finals.

AFP