by 
After the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the departure of Warren Gatland with immediate effect, attention already turns to who could replace him as head coach of Wales.
Wales fell to a 12th record in the world ranking and suffered a 14th consecutive consecutive defeat after the defeat of the six nations by Italy. The 61-year-old New Zealander was under contract until the 2027 World Cup, but recent results had made his position untenable.
Initially, Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt will play the role provisionally for the rest of the six nations before a permanent successor was appointed before the two test tour in Japan this summer.
Wales will then organize Ireland on February 22 before going to Murrayfield to face Scotland on March 8, and they finished the championship against England in Cardiff on March 15.
After that, the attention will turn to appoint the new permanent head coach and there are several names emerging the first frontrunners.
Simon Easterby
The defense coach in Ireland is currently impressive as an interim head coach of Green’s men, with Andy Farrell in lions sabbatics. Easterby is based in Wales after playing most of his career with the Scarlets and being married to the Welsh television presenter Sarra Elgan.
Franco Smith
His previous foray into international coaching with Italy was quite inspiration for because he delivered zero six nations victories over a few years before being pushed upstairs in a high performance role. Has done superbly as a coach of Glasgow Warriors since he played the role in 2022, leading them to Urc Glory last season.
Michael Cheika
An experienced and global coach who was in charge of Australia and Argentina on the international scene, as well as Leinster, Stade Français, Waratahs and now Leicester Tigers at the level of the club. He is expected to resign as a tiger coach at the end of the season and currently does not have another job.
Matt Sherratt
The Cardiff coach will take the provisional charge of the team until the end of the Six Nations. While Sherratt would probably only be given three games, an immediate recovery of the results could potentially put his name in the frame for the full -time position.
