- Wales recorded their 12th consecutive defeat in 45-12 loss against South Africa
- WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says team has fallen below expectations
The Welsh Rugby Union has admitted that the performance of Warren Gatland’s national team has been nowhere near the standard they or the country’s rugby public expect, as it prepares to carry out a detailed review of the New Zealander’s position as coach. in chief.
Gatland has presided over the worst losing streak in Welsh rugby history and his team suffered 12 consecutive international defeats.
Saturday’s 45-12 defeat to back-to-back world champions South Africa meant Wales finished the 2024 calendar year 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 expected either,” said WRU president Richard Collier-Keywood of Wales’ dramatic fall from grace.
“We are looking, as we do after every campaign, to do a review of all aspects of the WRU in relation to performance and how the coaching team and players have performed over that period.”
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney will lead the review which will include input from independent members. Former Wales players will be consulted.
Warren Gatland has presided over the worst losing streak in the history of Welsh rugby
Wales suffered their twelfth consecutive defeat after a resounding defeat against South Africa
“We are looking at everything,” Tierney said, speaking yesterday (SUN) after the WRU’s annual general meeting. “We will look at what is best to move Wales forward. “Any point that indicates we need something different to move Wales forward, we will absolutely explore.”
At the WRU Annual General Meeting, the mood among the organization’s member clubs was largely supportive of Gatland despite the national team’s horrendous winless streak.
Tierney and Collier-Keywood are prepared to move Gatland if the review – which the WRU hopes to be complete by December 17 – recommends doing so.
Collier-Keywood reiterated his belief that Gatland remains one of the best coaches in international football. Gatland himself will also 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 limited by financial factors. He also admitted he would be open to Gatland taking over as director of rugby with a new head coach at his side.
If Gatland is sacked 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 that we take ownership of the performance and not limit it to one aspect and that’s Warren,” Collier-Keywood said.
“He is a very important aspect, but this is a moment in which he is part of it, but he is not the only center of attention. This is our collective responsibility.”
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney says team has fallen below expectations
Flanker James Botham was one of the few bright spots for Wales this November, the grandson of English cricket 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 much bigger and superior rugby team.
Botham was unequivocal in his backing of Gatland when asked if he was the right coach for Wales.
‘Of course. Look at what he has done in the past,” Botham said.
There’s a reason he went back to work. Doesn’t it make sense to point fingers, blame, or say if he’s the right man? It’s here, so of course it’s right for the job.
At the AGM, Tierney revealed that the WRU posted a loss of £7.5m for the year ending June 2024. Turnover rose to £102.7m with investments in the game totaling £60 .4 million.