- Wales recorded their 12th consecutive defeat in 45-12 loss against South Africa
- WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says the team has fallen below expectations
The Welsh Rugby Union has admitted the performance of Warren Gatland’s national side has been nowhere near the standard they or the country’s rugby public expect, as it prepares to carry out a detailed review into the New Zealander’s position as head coach.
Gatland has presided over the worst run of defeats in Welsh rugby history with his team suffering 12 consecutive international losses.
Saturday’s 45-12 defeat by back-to-back world champions South Africa meant Wales ended the calendar year of 2024 without a win – the first time Wales have gone 12 months without success since 1937.
‘It’s clearly disappointing. It’s not what the Welsh public expects. It’s not what we expect either,’ said WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood of Wales’ dramatic fall from grace
‘We are looking, as we do after every campaign, at doing a review of all aspects of the WRU in relation to performance and with how the coaching team and players have performed over that period.’
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney will be leading the review which will include the views of independent members. Former Wales players are set to be consulted.
Warren Gatland has presided over the worst run of defeats in Welsh rugby history
Wales suffered their 12th consecutive defeat after a thumping defeat by South Africa
‘We’re looking at everything,’ said Tierney, speaking after the WRU’s annual general meeting yesterday (SUN). ‘We’ll be looking at what’s best to take Wales forward. Any point that says we need something different to take Wales forward, we’ll absolutely be exploring that.’
At the WRU AGM, the mood of the organisation’s member clubs was largely supportive of Gatland despite the national team’s horror winless run.
Tierney and Collier-Keywood are prepared to change Gatland if the review – which the WRU hopes will be complete by December 17 – recommends doing so.
Collier-Keywood reiterated his belief that Gatland remains one of the best coaches in the international game. Gatland himself is also set to be consulted as part of the review.
Collier-Keywood also insisted that if the WRU decides to remove Gatland, such a move would not be constrained by financial factors. He also admitted he would be open to Gatland moving to a director of rugby role with a new head coaching coming in alongside him.
If Gatland is removed before Christmas, Wales will appoint an interim head coach for the 2025 Six Nations. In that scenario, Rob Howley would be a leading contender.
‘The Welsh public would expect us to do a review and it’s important we own the performance and not limit it to one aspect and that is Warren,’ said Collier-Keywood.
‘He is a very important aspect, but this is a time when he is a part of it, but not in the sole spotlight. This is our collective responsibility.’
Wales Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney says the team has fallen below expectations
Flanker James Botham was one of very few plus points for Wales this November, the grandson of English cricketing great Sir Ian impressing in a struggling team.
Botham scored one of Wales’ two tries against the giant Springboks, putting his body on the line against a far bigger and superior rugby side.
Botham was unequivocal in his backing for Gatland when asked if he was the right coach for Wales.
‘Of course. Look what he’s done in the past,’ Botham said.
‘There’s a reason he came back into the job. There’s no point in looking to point fingers or blame or say is he the right man? He’s here, so of course he’s right for the job.’
At the AGM, Tierney revealed the WRU recorded a £7.5million loss for the year ending June 2024. Turnover increased to £102.7m with investments into the game totalling £60.4m.
