Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Warren Gatland will remain as head coach of Wales following a review by Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney, but executive director of rugby Nigel Walker has resigned.

Following a year where Wales failed to win a Test match and extended their losing record in Tests to 12 matches, Tierney has warned Gatland that his “position was on the line” heading into the review, but he will remain in his role heading into next year’s Six Nations.

The Kiwi has been tasked with leading Wales “to success” in the Six Nations, with Tierney warning “the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and that this is a situation that will continue to intensify.”

The review highlighted the need for improvements in performance, culture, and mentality ahead of the 2025 Championship.

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Key recommendations included a review of the WRU’s high-performance structure and the appointment of a new advisory panel, which will include former senior players. These changes aim to enhance player support, mental skills, and overall squad performance. Additionally, personnel adjustments will be made to assist Gatland, with a focus on developing a stronger mindset and culture within the team.

“I’ve been pretty honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge, as well as that I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results,” Gatland said.

“I am pleased to have the support of Abi and the Board to take the squad into the Six Nations. This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together to turnaround our fortunes on the pitch. We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success and on winning during the 2025 campaign.

“During the review I had the opportunity to explain my thinking, but I also appreciate the feedback and constructive challenge that has been put to me. I’d like to thank the players in particular for their involvement and their honesty. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Walker’s resignation after three years in the role also follows a challenging period for Welsh rugby, as he cited the team’s underperformance as a key factor in his decision.

Huw Bevan and Geraint John will temporarily assume Walker’s duties while the WRU recruits a new director of professional rugby.

“This decision has not been made lightly as I have cherished my time at the Welsh Rugby Union immensely, but it’s time for a new leader for the performance department,” said Walker.

“My tenure has not been without its challenges and we have achieved a great amount but, ultimately, it is right that I am judged on performances on the pitch and both of our senior teams have found the last 12 months extremely difficult and therefore I believe now is the right time for me to step down.

“These are fast moving times, we have launched a new headline strategy for Welsh rugby which is inextricably linked to a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) with our four regional clubs.

“We are changing the management structure in our high-performance team with respect to our senior Wales Women squad, with a new head coach to be appointed soon. In the senior men’s game there is much scrutiny of the role of our high-performance department and how its systems and structures can best enable success for all of our professional teams.

“All of these workstreams, when completed, will help enable success for Welsh rugby and I am proud of the contributions I have made in each space.

“Welsh rugby will prosper again. It will do so because of the strength, passion and good nature of the people who work at the WRU and the nation which supports our national game, but I am pleased to have had an opportunity to contribute.

“I am proud of my achievements in the role and as interim CEO through a difficult period of time for the Welsh Rugby Union. I thank all those who I have worked alongside during that time and would like to pay special mention in gratitude to our former chair Ieuan Evans, and, to wish our current chair Richard Collier-Keywood and our CEO Abi Tierney much success in the future.”