Gatland to coach Wales at 2025 Six Nations, but must improve results

Warren Gatland will take charge of Wales for the 2025 Six Nations despite suffering 12 consecutive Test match defeats.

Wales lost all 11 of their Test matches in 2024, making them just the second men's Tier 1 nation to have lost 100% of their games in a calendar year in the professional era, alongside Italy in 2020 (eight).

It is the first time Wales have endured such a run since losing all three in 1937, while Gatland has overseen just six wins in 24 Tests since taking charge of his second spell with the team in December 2022.

While Gatland, whose contract runs until the 2027 World Cup, remains in his role, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) executive director of rugby Nigel Walker has resigned.

The WRU conducted a review into the head coach following Wales' autumn defeats to Fiji, Australia and South Africa, with chief executive Abi Tierney saying the 61-year-old will be under further review during the coming tournament.

"I have had a number of honest conversations with Warren, and I will make no secret of the fact his position was on the line as we undertook our review," said Tierney.

"Further than that, like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and this is a situation that will continue to intensify.

"There is a tough challenge ahead, but Warren is more than up for that challenge. We also believe he is equal to it."

????????? | Warren Gatland has been challenged to lead Wales to success in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, after CEO Abi Tierney’s review into national squad performances was completed. While Nigel Walker has resigned from his position as Executive Director of Rugby… pic.twitter.com/lqp1Ug7Ioo

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) December 20, 2024

Wales won just one of their matches under Gatland at the 2023 Six Nations, before finishing bottom of the pile for the first time in 21 years in 2024.

Their last win came against Georgia in the World Cup pool stages in October 2023, but Gatland is pleased to be given the chance to turn things around.

"I've been honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge. As well as that, I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results," said Gatland.

"I am pleased to have the support of Abi and the board to take the squad into the Six Nations.

"This group of players has a huge amount of potential, and we will be working incredibly hard together to turn around our fortunes on the pitch.

"We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success and on winning during the 2025 campaign."