The Welsh Rugby Union are ‘seriously’ considering an audacious move to get Wales back on track with Warren Gatland’s time as head coach coming to an end.
Gatland returned to the role ahead of the 2023 Six Nations and was tasked with turning things around for the Rugby World Cup.
To his credit, he did just that as Wales progressed past the pool stages of the tournament only to be edged by Argentina in the quarter-finals.
However, the wheels have come off since with Wales losing every one of their Test matches in 2024 and their opening two games of the new year including a loss to Italy – falling to back-to-back defeats to the Azzurri for the first time in their history.
In response, the WRU board are taking drastic measures which could see Gatland making way before the conclusion of the Six Nations.
Gatland gone?
The New Zealander’s future will be decided at a board meeting on Wednesday with WalesOnline reporting that there is a break clause in Gatland’s contract which can be activated this summer.
However, if the WRU opt to take action before then, it could cost in the region of £2 million unless Gatland is put on garden leave.
The report further adds that the main consideration is whether or not dismissing the head coach now would lead to an immediate impact on results or not with the likely interim being one of his assistants or a regional coach.
This is particularly important as the prize money on offer in the Six Nations is determined by the final placings with the victors taking home more than the wooden spooners.
Potential long-term replacements
With time ticking on Gatland’s second tenure at the helm of Welsh Rugby, the report states that the WRU have already targeted a long-term successor with a two-man shortlist.
Ex-Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara has repeatedly expressed his interest in taking the step up to international rugby but he effectively ruled himself out of the running to replace Gatland in December.
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Wales had lost all of their matches in 2024 and there was doubts over whether the New Zealander would retain the role heading into the new year. Ultimately, he was given the opportunity to turn things around for the Six Nations but when asked whether he would be tempted to take on the Wales job, O’Gara was forthright in his reply.
“I haven’t thought about that to be honest with you,” the Irishman said when asked whether he would be interested in the Wales job.
“Without lacking humility, I’d prefer Ireland, England or France.”
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However, the Wales Online report has two other top coaches in the form of Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith and interim Ireland boss Simon Easterby.
Smith has been linked to several top gigs in recent months after guiding the Warriors to United Rugby Championship success with Leicester Tigers reportedly keen to bring him on board to replace Michael Cheika while many Scotland fans hope he will take over from Gregor Townsend when the time comes.
Meanwhile, Easterby has been tasked with filling Andy Farrell’s void this Six Nations and in July as the Ireland head coach focuses on preparing for the British and Irish Lions tour. Easterby has overseen back-to-back Ireland wins in the Six Nations defeating England and Scotland.
It’s the first time that the ex-Ireland lock has stepped into the head coach role but has been a key member of the Irish coaching set-up under Joe Schmidt and Farrell since joining the staff after a stint with Scarlets.
According to the Irish Mirror, if Easterby were to take on the job, he would likely take Leinster forwards coach Robin McBryde with him.
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Short-term
If the WRU were to pull the trigger during the Six Nations fallow week, Rob Howley could be one of the frontrunners to see out the rest of the Six Nations campaign having performed the role that Easterby is currently doing with Ireland for Wales when Gatland was Lions boss.
Wales face Ireland in Cardiff when the action resumes next weekend before heading to Murrayfield to tackle Scotland. Their final game of the tournament is at home against England.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/warren-gatland-sacked-wales-consider-drastic-mid-six-nations-measures-as-two-man-shortlist-emerges
