Warren Gatland’s departure as Wales coach has added an extra layer of intrigue to Australia’s search for Joe Schmidt’s successor.
Gatland left his role on Wednesday (AEDT) midway through the Six Nations, with Wales on the worst run of results in the country’s proud rugby history.
Gatland’s departure was announced three days after a 22-15 loss to Italy that sealed the New Zealander’s fate, and extended the team’s national record losing streak to 14 matches.
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Australia coach Joe Schmidt chats to Wales coach Warren Gatland. Getty
Gatland could now come into the frame for the Wallabies, who need a new coach to replace Schmidt when his contract ends in October.
It could also complicate Australia’s dealings with other candidates such as Michael Cheika, who has already been linked with the job.
La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara has expressed interest in the Wallabies but ruled himself out of the running for Wales.
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Warren Gatland faces the music. Stan
Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt will take over from Gatland for the remainder of the Six Nations.
The Wales Rugby Union said Gatland’s departure was by mutual consent, after he approached the governing body on Monday to discuss his future.
“Now is the right time for a change,” Gatland said.
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Gatland, one of the world’s most highly respected coaches, returned for a second spell in charge of Wales ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup but it has damaged his legacy.
The team’s last win was back in 2023.
Gatland was kept on by Wales despite a winless autumn but warned performances had to improve – and they haven’t.
Wales coach Warren Gatland reacts after the match. Getty
After starting with back-to-back losses in the Six Nations – to France, then Italy – Wales is likely to finish last for the second straight year, and that’s never happened in the tournament’s 142 year history.
Gatland was revered in Wales for his first stint as coach, during which he won the Six Nations four times – completing the Grand Slam on three occasions – and led the team to the World Cup semi-finals in 2011 and 2019.
It helped him become the coach of the British and Irish Lions a record three times, winning the Test series in Australia in 2013, drawing in New Zealand in 2017 and losing in South Africa four years later.
Gatland said he and his players “have been desperate to turn potential into results.”
“I’ve reached the end of this particular chapter,” he said.
“But I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, to all the players who have played for me and to all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years. I wish whoever takes over all the best for the future.”
The WRU said its intention was to have a permanent appointment in place before the two Test tour to Japan at the end of the season.
Sherratt spent time with Wales in 2017 while Gatland was on duty with the Lions.
“Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’ call,” WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said.
