Warren Gatland is set to remain in charge of the 2025 Six Nations after reviewing Wales’ slump, but has been warned by the Welsh Rugby Union that he needs to start producing results.
Gatland’s position has come under intense scrutiny after a terrible autumn comprising defeats to Fiji, Australia and South Africa, which extended Wales’ defeat to a record 12 games.
It is the first time since 1937 that the national team has not won a Test for an entire year and finished 11th, its lowest ranking ever.
changes
A statement released by the WRU said chief executive Abi Tierney called for “wholesale immediate changes” as part of the review before deciding that “challenging Wales to change Wales’ fortunes on the pitch is the best approach at the moment”. He said he had considered it.
However, Nigel Walker resigned as WRU managing director of rugby in response to Wales’ decline.
“I’ve had many very candid conversations with Warren and I will not hide the fact that his position is precarious while we conduct our review,” Tierney said.
“Furthermore, like any manager in any sport, he knows that the security of his position is directly linked to the performance of his team and this is a situation that will only continue to deepen.
“There are difficult challenges ahead, but Warren is committed to them. We also believe that he is his equal.”
Six Nations revival?
Gatland has a contract until the 2027 World Cup, but his success rate in his second spell as manager was only 25%, leaving him to lead a revival from the Six Nations.
Tierney will reassess Wales’ performance after the Championship against France in Paris on January 31.
“I have been very honest in that I welcome scrutiny and challenge, and I also understand the pressures of international rugby for performance and results,” Gatland said.
“We are delighted to be taking the team to the Six Nations with the support of Abi and the Board.
“This group of players has enormous potential and we will work incredibly hard together to get our fortunes back on the pitch.
“We know more than ever that we will be judged on our competitiveness, success and wins during the 2025 campaign.
“I had the opportunity to explain my thinking during the review, but I also appreciate the feedback and constructive challenge given to me.
“I would especially like to thank the players for their participation and honesty. “I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead,” he said.
Walker, who has been in his position since 2021, decided to resign after acknowledging that “it is right to be evaluated based on one’s skills on the pitch.”
