- Wales are set to takes on back-to-back world champions South Africa
- Warren Gatland’s side have lost 11 Test matches on the trot – their worst ever run
- Gatland is coming under increasing pressure amid his side’s dire run of form
Warren Gatland denied on Wednesday he had a release clause in his Wales contract for after next year’s Six Nations as he insisted he’s not been yet been told he will be leaving.
Gatland has presided over the worst losing run in Welsh history – one which currently stands at 11 Tests – so his position as head coach has come under serious scrutiny.
But ahead of Saturday’s daunting clash with back-to-back world champions South Africa, he was defiant in the face of more tough questions over his future.
‘There’s no break clause in my contract after the Six Nations,’ said Gatland, in a statement which means he would have to be paid off in full if the Welsh Rugby Union decide to dispense with his services either now or at some point in 2025. It is a scenario the WRU, who are struggling financially, simply cannot afford right now.
Gatland revealed he has held discussions over his coaching future with both his family and the WRU hierarchy and said he’d had no indication he wouldn’t be in charge of the team in the New Year. Asked if he had a strong desire to continue, Gatland responded: ‘Absolutely.’
A media gathering twice the size of the number who usually cover Wales was present to hear from Gatland at his team announcement press conference for South Africa.
Wales have lost 11 matches on the trot and the pressure is mounting on Warren Gatland
Wales have lost their opening two autumn internationals against Fiji and Australia
Wales have the daunting task of taking on South Africa next as they bid to end their losing run
If the additional reporters had turned up to report on the last rites of the New Zealander’s second stint in charge of Wales, they would have left disappointed.
‘For a number of years we felt the success we had with the national team was papering over the cracks underneath,’ said Gatland, whose first Wales stint was laden with trophies.
‘When the dam burst, it was going to take a while to plug it up again. That’s probably where we are at the moment. I do care passionately about Welsh rugby and that’s why I’ve said that if people feel the best decision is for me to go, then I’ll move on.’
Gatland looks unlikely to resign, however. The ball is now in the court of the WRU hierarchy, led by chief executive Abi Tierney, to make a decision.
Wales’ side for South Africa contains four personnel changes and one positional from the team which shipped 52 points to Australia. Full-back Cameron Winnett and experienced pair Gareth Anscombe and Aaron Wainwright have been left out of the matchday 23.
‘I try and stay away from it,’ Gatland said of the criticism he’s faced.
‘I’m not on social media. But I understand it. You’re not human if you don’t ask yourself some questions about why you’re doing it and do you enjoy it?
‘Those things are understandable. It’s part of the job. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. I’m aware of the pressure and that decisions could be made outside of my control. We’ve just asked for a little bit of time. Whether we get that time, we’ll have to wait and see. I’m focused solely on preparing the team for this week.
‘If you start thinking about other things, it’s a distraction you don’t need.’
