A Difficult Decision
Warren Gatland, the renowned rugby coach, admits he is "hurting" after making the tough decision to leave Wales in the middle of this year’s Six Nations. The second round of the tournament saw Wales suffer a devastating 22-15 loss to Italy under the relentless downpour in Rome, marking their 14th consecutive defeat. This poor performance was deeply disappointing, especially given the high stakes and the critical importance of the game. Gatland had always understood the pressure and the significance of such matches, but the events leading up to and following the Italy game forced him to reassess his position. Despite the disappointment, he remains grateful for the time he spent with the team and the incredible support he received from the fans.
The Inner Turmoil
"It was always a must-win game," Gatland reflects on the Italy match. "We had a good week’s preparation in Nice and, of course, I was well aware of how crucial this game was." The decision to leave came spontaneously, almost without much thought, as the weight of the loss and the mounting criticism became too much to bear. In the past, Gatland would have been furious in the changing room after such a poor performance, but this time, the players and staff were visibly hurting. The lack of discipline and a poor kicking game were significant factors, and the press conference that followed only exacerbated the situation. Asked repeatedly about his commitment to the job, Gatland found himself questioning his own resolve, yet he steadfastly avoided giving the media any sensational quotes.
Farewell at the Airport
On the Sunday following the Italy defeat, Gatland was struck by the overwhelming support he received from the fans at the airport. "I was amazed by how many supporters came up to me and said, ‘Good luck. Keep going. We are behind you’," he recalls. "I was a little bit overwhelmed by that, really. I wasn’t expecting such a display of affection and encouragement." This outpouring of support made him reconsider his decision, but ultimately, he knew it was the right move for the team and the sport. The fans’ unwavering passion and loyalty are a testament to the special bond he formed with the Welsh rugby community.
A Contrast in Tenures
Gatland’s first stint in Cardiff from 2007 to 2019 was an unparalleled success. He led Wales to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals, establishing a golden era for the team. During this period, he also took sabbaticals to lead the British and Irish Lions to a series victory against Australia in 2013 and a historic draw against the All Blacks in 2017. The run-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup saw Wales briefly top the world rankings, following a 14-match unbeaten run. However, his second tenure, which began following Wayne Pivac’s dismissal in the autumn of 2022, has been far less fortunate. Despite a promising month at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the overall performance has been statistically the worst in Welsh rugby’s 144-year history, with 14 successive Test losses. The team has won only six matches and lost 20, achieving a success rate of less than 25%.
Putting the Team First
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Gatland emphasizes that it was primarily about the best interests of the Welsh rugby team and the sport. "It wasn’t just about taking pressure off the team," he explains. "It was about taking some pressure off the union and giving the other coaches some breathing space. Everything was directed at me—the selection, the way the team was playing, the game plan." In recent matches, Gatland felt a growing sense of dread and a lack of the usual positive energy and belief that had driven him in the past. "Recently I’ve been going into games nervous, probably not feeling that sort of positivity and not having that belief—almost dreading the game and the results and the negativity that follows," he admits. He believes that stepping aside will allow for a fresh start and the opportunity for someone else to make a positive impact.
Legacy and Pride
Despite the rough patch in his second tenure, Gatland has no regrets. He is content with the overall legacy he has left behind, even if the recent results have not met expectations. "No regrets," he states firmly. "Someone did say to me yesterday, ‘Should we get the spanner and the crescent out and go and take the gates off so you can ship them back home?’" Gatland’s Gate, erected at the Principality Stadium in his honor after his first departure, symbolizes the immense contributions he made to Welsh rugby. While he hopes the gate remains, he is not overly concerned about preserving his legacy. "What we achieved in the World Cup was above expectation," he notes. "And what we’ve done now, we haven’t quite lived up to expectations." He believes that his period, from the Grand Slam under Mike Ruddock in 2005 to the World Cup quarter-final in 2023, should be remembered as a golden era for Welsh rugby. "We overachieved for such a small nation, massively, and I’ll be forever proud of that," Gatland concludes, emphasizing his pride in the team’s achievements despite the recent setbacks.
