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LAST UPDATE | 11 Feb
WALES HAVE CONFIRMED they have parted company with head coach Warren Gatland by ‘mutual consent’ following a run of 14 straight defeats.
Gatland approached the Wales Rugby Union on Monday to discuss his future following their 22-15 loss to Italy.
Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed as head coach for the final three matches of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.
The Welsh have lost their opening two games of the 2025 Six Nations, 43-0 to France and 22-15 to Italy, and are currently ranked an all-time low 12th in the world rankings, sandwiched between Georgia and Japan.
Gatland was contracted until 2027 in his second stint at the helm but had a break clause in his contract.
His departure means that Sherratt will be in charge when they host Ireland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 22 February.
Kiwi Gatland coached Wales from 2008 to 2019 and experienced huge success, winning Grand Slams in 2008, 2012 and 2019 and a further Six Nations title in 2013.
He was rehired by the ailing Welsh Rugby Union in 2022, replacing the under-fire Wayne Pivac, but Wales have endured misery since a decent showing at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
In all, they have won just six of 26 matches during Gatland’s second stint in charge, and their run of 14 consecutive defeats is the worst in the country’s history.
“The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament,” said Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney.
Tierney confirmed that Sherratt will return to Cardiff after the Six Nations campaign and that the WRU’s intention is to have a permanent replacement by the time of this summer’s two-test tour of Japan.
Sherratt became Cardiff Rugby head coach in 2023 but has also been attack coach and coached at the Ospreys, Bristol and Worcester.
“I would like to thank the WRU Board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and affording me the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament,” Gatland said.
“We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change”.
“I’ve reached the end of this particular chapter, but I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, to all the players who have played for me and to all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years. I wish whoever takes over all the best for the future.
“Finally, I want to say a big thank you to the Welsh fans.”
Written by Gavan Casey and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
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Another good man gone. RIP Alf.
Used to enjoy Alf on Late Date RTE. RIP
Oh Alfie we will miss you dearly.
Good memories of him on a lunch time radio show in Cork local radio..had a great radio voice. RIP
Very sad news. Alf was a Rochestown classmate of mine for four years. He often brightened up our homesick days with his quick wit, banter and the occasional rendition of North to Alaska. I learned that song from Alf and still sing it today. RIP Alf and condolences to all his family and friends.
An absolute gentleman.. RIP Alf .
Such terribly sad news about a true icon and legend in broadcasting.
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