A Fall from Grace: Warren Gatland’s Unexpected Departure
Warren Gatland, the renowned New Zealand-born rugby coach, has left his position as head coach of the Welsh national team, a decision that comes after a series of devastating losses. Having returned to the helm in December 2022 for his second stint, Gatland was initially given a contract that was set to run until the 2027 Rugby World Cup. However, his tenure has been marred by a historical run of 14 consecutive Test defeats, marking the worst period in Welsh rugby’s storied history. This unprecedented streak of losses has left the team at the bottom of the Six Nations table, grappling with the ignominy of potentially securing a second consecutive wooden spoon.
The Descent: A Year to Forget
2024 was a year Wales would rather forget. The team finished the calendar year winless, a remarkable and disheartening statistic for a nation known for its rugby prowess. The low point came with a 43-0 thrashing by France, a result that saw Wales fail to score a single point in an international match for the first time since 1998. This defeat was followed by a 22-15 loss to Italy in Rome, a match that further underscored the team’s struggles. The pressure on Gatland mounted with each passing game, and despite the team’s impressive run to the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup, the downward spiral continued. The final straw came during the Autumn Nations Series, where losses to Fiji, Australia, and South Africa piled more pressure on the coach, leading to his eventual departure.
A Legacy Shattered
Gatland’s first tenure as Wales head coach from 2007 to 2019 was marked by unparalleled success. During this period, he led the team to four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, and took them to two World Cup semi-finals. His leadership saw Wales reach the top of the world rankings, cementing his status as one of the most successful coaches in the nation’s rugby history. When he returned in 2022, there was a sense of optimism that his experience and tactical acumen would spark a revival. However, the team’s performance has been a stark contrast to his earlier achievements, with 20 losses in 26 Tests and a drop to 12th in the world rankings.
A New Chapter: Matt Sherratt Takes the Helm
In the wake of Gatland’s departure, Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed to lead Wales for the remaining three matches of the Six Nations. Sherratt, who is still contracted to Cardiff Rugby, expressed his gratitude and surprise at the opportunity during a press conference. "I can’t tell you what I initially said when I got the call last night, but you never get these opportunities when things are going well, and I never expected this to happen," Sherratt told the BBC. Despite the challenges, he is determined to make the most of the situation. "I know many of the players very well and many of the staff, so I was never going to turn it down. This means so much to me, like when I arrived at Cardiff, who were at a low ebb at the time."
Looking Forward: The Upcoming Challenges
Wales face a daunting task in the coming weeks as they prepare to face defending champions Ireland at home on February 22, followed by an away clash with Scotland on March 8, and a final match against England at the Principality Stadium on March 15. With only four training sessions before the Ireland game, Sherratt acknowledges that significant technical or tactical changes will be limited. Instead, he is focusing on altering the team’s mindset. "We can’t change much technically or tactically, but it’s about changing the mindset," he emphasized. The team will need a significant psychological boost to turn things around, and Sherratt’s familiarity with many of the players and staff members could play a crucial role in achieving this.
Hope for the Future: A New Dawn for Welsh Rugby
Despite the current difficulties, there is a sense of optimism that a fresh start could herald a new era for Welsh rugby. Sherratt’s appointment, while unexpected, brings a new perspective and potentially a renewed sense of purpose. The players, led by captain Alun Wyn Jones, will be looking to build on their last victory—a 43-9 win over Georgia in the 2023 World Cup group stage—and show that they are capable of competing at the highest level. The coming matches will be a litmus test for the team’s resilience and determination, and a chance to start rebuilding the pride and spirit that have long defined Welsh rugby. As the nation rallies behind their team, the hope is that this turning point will be the beginning of a return to glory.
