Warren Gatland on Tuesday stepped down as Wales head coach three days after his side lost their second game of the 2025 Six Nations tournamenet - their 14th successive defeat.
Italy won 22-15 in Rome eight days after France walloped Wales 43-0 at the Stade de France.
“The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament,” said Abi Tierney, the WRU's chief executive.
"We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won."
Gatland, 61, first coached Wales from 2008 until 2019. He took over a team that had crashed out of the 2007 rugby World Cup following a shock defeat to Fiji.
Success
The New Zealander transformed the side. They claimed the 2008 Six Nations tournament defeating all five opponents to register a coveted Grand Slam. They repeated the feat in their 2012 and 2019 successes in the Six Nations.
He left after taking Wales to third place at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
He returned to the helm in December 2022 replacing compatriot Wayne Pivac.
Wales topped their pool at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. on 14 October in Marseille, they were knocked out by Argentina in the quarter-finals - the start of the worst run in their 144-year history.
“I would like to thank the WRU board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and affording me the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament," said Gatland.
End
“We have worked hard. We have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change.
“I’ve reached the end of this particular chapter, 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.”
Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed as head coach to lead the Wales side for the final three matches of the 2025 Six Nations championships.
His first game in charge will be on 22 February when Wales host defending champions Ireland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
“Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before this summer’s two-Test tour to Japan,” Tierney added.
