- Wales recorded their twelfth consecutive defeat in 45-12 loss towards South Africa
- WRU chief government Abi Tierney says the crew has fallen beneath expectations
The Welsh Rugby Union has admitted the efficiency of Warren Gatland’s nationwide facet has been nowhere close to the usual they or the nation’s rugby public count on, because it prepares to hold out an in depth overview into the New Zealander’s place as head coach.
Gatland has presided over the worst run of defeats in Welsh rugby historical past together with his crew struggling 12 consecutive worldwide losses.
Saturday’s 45-12 defeat by back-to-back world champions South Africa meant Wales ended the calendar yr of 2024 with no win – the primary time Wales have gone 12 months with out success since 1937.
‘It is clearly disappointing. It isn’t what the Welsh public expects. It isn’t what we count on both,’ mentioned WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood of Wales’ dramatic fall from grace
‘We’re trying, as we do after each marketing campaign, at doing a overview of all features of the WRU in relation to efficiency and with how the teaching crew and gamers have carried out over that interval.’
WRU chief government Abi Tierney might be main the overview which is able to embrace the views of impartial members. Former Wales gamers are set to be consulted.
Warren Gatland has presided over the worst run of defeats in Welsh rugby historical past
Wales suffered their twelfth consecutive defeat after a thumping defeat by South Africa
‘We’re taking a look at all the things,’ mentioned Tierney, talking after the WRU’s annual normal assembly yesterday (SUN). ‘We’ll be taking a look at what’s greatest to take Wales ahead. Any level that claims we’d like one thing totally different to take Wales ahead, we’ll completely be exploring that.’
On the WRU AGM, the temper of the organisation’s member golf equipment was largely supportive of Gatland regardless of the nationwide crew’s horror winless run.
Tierney and Collier-Keywood are ready to alter Gatland if the overview – which the WRU hopes might be full by December 17 – recommends doing so.
Collier-Keywood reiterated his perception that Gatland stays top-of-the-line coaches within the worldwide recreation. Gatland himself can also be set to be consulted as a part of the overview.
Collier-Keywood additionally insisted that if the WRU decides to take away Gatland, such a transfer wouldn’t be constrained by monetary elements. He additionally admitted he could be open to Gatland shifting to a director of rugby position with a brand new head teaching coming in alongside him.
If Gatland is eliminated earlier than Christmas, Wales will appoint an interim head coach for the 2025 Six Nations. In that situation, Rob Howley could be a number one contender.
‘The Welsh public would count on us to do a overview and it is essential we personal the efficiency and never restrict it to 1 side and that’s Warren,’ mentioned Collier-Keywood.
‘He’s an important side, however it is a time when he is part of it, however not within the sole highlight. That is our collective accountability.’
Wales Rugby Union chief government Abi Tierney says the crew has fallen beneath expectations
Flanker James Botham was one in all only a few plus factors for Wales this November, the grandson of English cricketing nice Sir Ian impressing in a struggling crew.
Botham scored one in all Wales’ two tries towards the enormous Springboks, placing his physique on the road towards a far larger and superior rugby facet.
Botham was unequivocal in his backing for Gatland when requested if he was the fitting coach for Wales.
‘In fact. Look what he’s carried out previously,’ Botham mentioned.
‘There’s a cause he got here again into the job. There’s no level in trying to level fingers or blame or say is he the fitting man? He’s right here, so after all he’s proper for the job.’
On the AGM, Tierney revealed the WRU recorded a £7.5million loss for the yr ending June 2024. Turnover elevated to £102.7m with investments into the sport totalling £60.4m.
