Gatland 'weighed down' by negativity before Wales departure

Warren Gatland says he was disappointed by the "huge amount of negativity" from the Welsh press and former players, following his departure as Wales' head coach.

The 61-year-old left his post by mutual consent last week after the 22-15 defeat by Italy in the Six Nations.

That extended Wales' record losing streak to 14 Tests, while they have also dropped to 12th in the world rankings - their lowest ever position.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will oversee the remainder of their Six Nations campaign, which resumes against Ireland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Gatland returned for a second stint in charge in December 2022, having won three Grand Slams and reached two World Cup semi-finals - and briefly topped the world rankings - during his initial 12-year spell.

However, the second was far less fruitful, and the New Zealander eventually departed after being "weighed down" by criticism, including from players who were part of his victorious squads.

𝗡ô𝗹 𝗶 𝗴𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/PufRRpuqKQ
— Welsh Rugby Union(@WelshRugbyUnion) February 18, 2025

"[Italy] was always a must-win game," Gatland told the Daily Telegraph. "The Friday or the Saturday before the game, I made sort of a decision without thinking too much about it.

"If we didn't win that game, then I'd have to seriously consider my position. It would be the best time and the best thing for everyone to walk away. You give that facade in terms of not showing everything or too much emotion.

"I've felt a huge amount of negativity in the Welsh press and that just kept weighing down on me. I just kept thinking: 'where is someone in my corner, or someone fighting a little bit for me?' It's been tough.

"They [former players] are trying to find their feet in the game, and sometimes, you have to be seen to be objective. And by being objective, be critical.

"I look and can say that there's a number of them that wouldn't be in the media if they hadn't played for Wales, or hadn't played for the [British and Irish] Lions, or hadn't been successful."