Warren Gatland open to Wales exit amid tough losing streak
Warren Gatland's position with Wales has been questioned following their record losing streak
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Wales rugby head coach Warren Gatland has admitted he would be "more than comfortable" if a decision were made to end his tenure as the team faces the prospect of an 11th consecutive Test defeat.
Wales’s latest 24-19 loss to Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series has deepened their string of competitive defeats, a streak briefly interrupted by friendly wins against the Queensland Reds and the Barbarians.
Reflecting on Wales's poor run of form since his last Test victory against Georgia at the 2023 World Cup, Gatland revealed he did not anticipate “this much pain” in his second spell as head coach.
The unexpected magnitude of the losses has left him prepared to accept whatever the Welsh Rugby Union decides regarding his future.
Wales’s head coach acknowledged the challenges that have come with the role, especially amid a record-breaking losing run that matches the streak of 2002-2003.
Gatland emphasized, “We’ve tried to point out from the outset we need to go through some pain.
I didn’t think there’d be this much pain.” He noted that while his team has had close matches, they have often struggled to finish strong.
“If a decision is made in terms of what you’re talking about [his future], I’m more than comfortable with that,” he shared.
“I’ve been around the game for long enough. I’ll probably go back to the beach, have a glass of wine, and enjoy myself away from some of the pressure.” Yet, Gatland clarified he has no plans to resign, stating that the idea “is not in my mind at the moment.”
Since his reappointment in 2022, Gatland has overseen 22 matches, securing only six wins. His challenging tenure has included a rock-bottom finish in the 2024 Six Nations, where Wales suffered defeats in all five games.
Wales’s clash against Australia on Sunday marks his 23rd match in charge, with the looming threat of a record 11th consecutive loss.
