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The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the departure of Warren Gatland, with Cardiff de Matt Sherratt, head coach appointed until the end of the Six Nations. Gatland also spoke for the first time since the news started to merge on Tuesday morning.
Under Gatland’s mandate, Wales fell to a record of 14 successive defeats. The WRU said that the decision was made by a mutual agreement, but hope that the appointment of Sherratt will lead to a peak of performance for the last three games of the six nations against Ireland, Scotland and England, respectively.
“I would like to thank the WRU board of directors for the faith shown in me after a difficult campaign throughout 2024 and to give me time and the resource to try to overturn things for this tournament in 2025”, said Gatland.
“We have worked hard, we have a young talented team that is developing and who desperately wants to transform the potential into results, but it’s the right time for a change.
“I have reached the end of this particular chapter, but I remain grateful to all those in Wales who supported me, to all the players who played for me and to all those around me, especially my Management team, which has contributed to what we have achieved over the years.
“Finally, I want to say a big thank you to Welsh fans.”
Find out more: WRU confirms Gatland Gone, Sherratt named and the CEO is expressed
Find out more: What is the quality of Matt Sherratt? The Chef de la Nouvelle-Gales coach is “as good as everything I met”
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Gatland’s Backroom team will remain in office with Sherratt appointed head coach provisionally. You can follow the updates live here.
The WRU began his search for a new head coach with Irish coach Simon Easterby, Franco Smith from Glasgow and former boss of Australia Michael Cheika in the running. You can read the latest people about it here.
“The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales team as it continues to participate in the 2025 Six Nations Tournament,” said WRO Tierney CEO.
“We are grateful to Warren for everything he did for the match in Wales. He remains our oldest and most decorated head coach in terms of silverware he won.
“Matt Sherratt takes over at a busy time.
“Matt will return to Cardiff Rugby after the Six Nations to concentrate his efforts on what is already a promising campaign for our capital club.
“Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before the two tests of this summer in Japan, with all the open options.” Cardiff gave Sherratt permission to join the Wales provisionally.
“First of all, we are really proud as a club that Matt obtains this recognition and this opportunity,” said Cardiff president Alun Jones. “He is a fantastic person and coach, and he deserves this opportunity.
“He has history of talent development, to make the most of young players and to use a positive style of play. It is clear to see the reconstruction work he has done at the club and continues to lead.
“This is obviously a period of need and we are happy to support not only Matt’s continuous development, but also the Welsh Rugby Union in the Six Nations. I am sure he will do a great job and will look forward to that he will come back after the conclusion of the championship. »»
The assistant coaches of Sherratt – Corniel Van Zyl, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews and Jonny Goodridge – will direct the program in his absence, with the only other match directly affected to be Leinster on March 1.
