Autumn Nations Series: Wales Head Coach Gatland Considers Future After Record Defeat
Cardiff, Wales – In the aftermath of Wales’ record 52-20 defeat against Australia, head coach Warren Gatland has said he will consider his future after meeting with Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) bosses at the Principality Stadium.
The 61-year-old New Zealander, who has led the British and Irish Lions on three occasions, agreed to “whatever the best decision is for Welsh rugby” following questions over whether he will remain in the job. This 11th successive Test match loss has seen Wales slump to an all-time results low.
Gatland, who returned to the Welsh national team in December 2022, replacing Wayne Pivac, revealed he spoke with WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker after the game. “Whatever the best decision is for Welsh rugby is, I’m more than comfortable with that,” he said. “If that’s about me going and that’s the best decision, then make the decision. We’ll talk about that and make that together.“
Just over a year after beating Australia 40-6 at the World Cup, Wales were left to reflect on conceding 50 points to the Wallabies for the first time at home, the most the Australians have scored against Wales in Cardiff. Gatland has now presided over 17 losses from 23 Tests during his second stint at the helm.
“There’s so much negativity around the game in terms of what’s been happening on and off the field,” said Gatland, who questioned whether a change in personnel would affect the flagging fortunes of Welsh rugby. “If you’re going to change me, who are you going to get to come in and how are they going to make a change?”
The Wales head coach admitted the current situation is the “most challenging it has been” and said he would discuss his position with his family, but insisted he still had the ambition to continue. World champions South Africa visit the Principality Stadium next Saturday, followed by a tough Six Nations opener against France in Paris on 31 January.
Gatland gave an impassioned message to Wales fans following the Australia defeat. “We’re really hurting from today. The supporters have been brilliant with the support they’ve given us over the years. We probably let them down a little bit. So we need to go out next week and make amends by putting a performance in they can be proud of.“
🔗 Source
