WARREN GATLAND HAS revealed that he would not have returned for a second spell as Wales head coach had he known the full extent of Welsh rugby’s problems.
New Zealander Gatland led Wales to sustained success during his first spell in charge from 2008 to 2019, masterminding Six Nations titles, Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-final appearances.
He returned six months ago, replacing Wayne Pivac, although Wales delivered an underwhelming Six Nations campaign last season, recording a solitary victory.
Sexism and misogyny allegations within the Welsh Rugby Union are currently the subject of an independent review, Wales players threatened strike action amid contractual chaos ahead of facing Six Nations opponents England in February, while financial troubles continue to engulf the Welsh professional game.
“When I came into the Six Nations, I had no idea,” Gatland told the BBC’s Scrum V podcast.
“I didn’t realise a lot of the things that were going on and the issues that were behind rugby and the squad and the players.
At the time if I had known, I would have made a different decision and probably gone somewhere else.
“Welsh rugby’s going to go through (more) pain from a financial perspective for the regions.
“These issues were here before, but there’s no doubt that the success of the national team in the past probably papered over the cracks.
“Now, probably for the better, they have come to the fore and there is a chance to focus on the things that needed fixing. There’s a great chance for us to have a really positive reset on a number of things.”
Ahead of the World Cup in France later this year, Gatland has seen Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb retire from Test rugby.
Prop Rhys Carre, meanwhile, was released from a 54-player training squad after he failed to hit individual performance targets, and lock Cory Hill withdrew to pursue a club contract opportunity outside of Wales.
The cumulative effect has to led Wales being written off by many pundits in terms of their World Cup hopes, but Gatland added: “What gives me an edge or a buzz is when the expectations aren’t there or the challenges appear to be greater. That drives me even more.
“It (being written off) is allowing us to come in under the radar, and there is nothing the Welsh boys love better than being written off and backs-to-the-wall. They tend to respond to that.”
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Oh yeah I’m sure he didn’t know a thing about it. Either way it’s a nice boost for the squad to hear their manager say that.
Can’t understand himself and Eddie Jines hopping on these podcasts and chucking people under buses. I reckon this second stint will end on a low; Wales do not have the calibre of players coming up which they previously had.
So basically saying I did no homework before rejoining. Hmm doubt that very much.
Really? No idea??
I mean I knew and probably every other rugby head on the 42…
His contract is fairly lucrative still though.. probably would have been better putting that money into sorting out regions..
A man on the decline inherited a good side and had success but it was more of Shawn Edwards work than his. He took all the glory but was eventually forced out went back home and failed, he must have thought all his christmas had come into one when asked to take the Welsh job now the excuses, he has got a chance with the draw for the World Cup but I can’t see it.The Welsh rugby union could have picked better but just panicked which just about sums them up
How can he say this with a straight face? The mans ego knows no bounds and he can’t cope with the responsibility of a failing Welsh team. He has to get in with his excuses first.
@Keyser Söze: listen to the podcast, he was laughing when he said it.
@Darragh Forrest: A good chunk of Gatland’s career involved him sneering or laughing at others. He will pocket the (serious) pay cheque while simultaneously making his excuses in advance. If I’m not mistaken, he has a multi-year contract, so a payoff is on the cards.
Have to say, I’m finding this Welsh Rugby turmoil quite amusing. Hopefully they leave the URC and join up with the remaining English sides. Be better for all parties involved.
I found his comments honest and positive, he’s not running away.