Warren Gatland’s future remains uncertain amid the agonizing soul-searching in Welsh rugby.
A record 11 successive Test match defeats have prompted fierce speculation over the head coach.
Welsh rugby’s issues run far deeper than one man, but only some sports coaches survive a run as poorly as this.
Gatland could still be responsible for Saturday’s daunting appointment with world champions South Africa. However, whether he remains in place for the Six Nations opener in Paris 10 weeks later appears increasingly uncertain.
Following Australia’s victory over Wales, marking their most significant win against the team in 28 years, discussions were held with Nigel Walker, the executive director of rugby for the Welsh Rugby Union, and chair Richard Collier-Keywood. The individual supported “whatever the best decision for Welsh rugby is.”
Aaron Wainwright emphasises that the players support Gatland entirely despite their recent defeat.The question is whether sacking Gatland will make a difference.
He should stay
Ex-Wasps and England prop Phil Vickery supported Alex Cuthbert’s assertion that Warren Gatland has the potential to revitalise Wales for the upcoming Six Nations, provided he is afforded sufficient time.
Gatland steered Wales to the quarter-finals of last year’s World Cup and has appealed for patience as he builds a new team.
“When people ask if I wish I’d got into coaching, I see some of the footage of Warren at the weekend, and it makes you say ‘absolutely not’,” Vickery told Radio 5 Live.
“But he’s done incredibly well for Wales, and if anybody can do it, that’s your man. “The pressure is on, and results are paramount, yet for a young Welsh talent looking to make a mark, Warren Gatland stands out as the ideal figure to foster growth and drive success. “Wales may lack squad depth, but Gatland has the experience and track record to navigate these challenges.”
He should go
Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones believes Gatland has already “checked out”.
“I trust Gatland’s expression of disappointment, but his coaching record since 2019 with Waikato, the British & Irish Lions, and Wales has been quite poor,” Jones remarked.
The landscape is evolving, necessitating innovative ideas and a pioneering spirit. Wales are playing the same way now as when he came in 2008. We’re too conservative. “The absence of dominant players has prompted a need for greater creativity in coaching strategies, a shift that may not align with his current approach.
Ex-Wales & British & Irish Lions centre Tom Shanklin praised Gatland for “transforming” the national side during his first spell in charge but said Wales now lacks an identity.
“I’ve never seen him like the way he was after the Australia game. “I feel a sense of sympathy for him considering all his contributions to Welsh rugby,” remarked Shanklin.
Accountability must extend beyond the head coach in this situation; it is equally essential for the WRU to take responsibility. Warning signs have been ignored about too much focus on the national side and not enough on the regions and academies to develop players. “Gatland offered a short-term fix when he returned, but now it’s time for a new coach with a fresh voice bringing fresh ideas.
“We can’t play physical rugby any more because we lack size or power, but we’re not seeing a plan B, and there hasn’t been any progress.”
James Hook, a fellow Grand Slam winner to Shanklin, agreed that a change is necessary following a disappointing record of just six victories in 23 Tests since Gatland’s return.
“What will change if Warren is still in charge of the Six Nations?” he asked.
“You don’t want to see anyone lose their job, but something has to change to freshen everyone up, players and fans. “Investment in other areas, particularly the academies, is also essential. They’re not good enough, and we’re setting up a lot of young boys to fail.”
