Gatland 'still the best coach in the world', says Wales assistant Howley

Wales assistant Rob Howley described Warren Gatland as the "world's best coach" and insists the under-fire boss is going nowhere.

Wales have lost each of their last 11 Test matches, their longest ever run in men’s rugby, overtaking a 10-game stretch between November 2002 and August 2003.

Their most recent defeat came by 32 points (20-52 v Australia), their heaviest loss since a 36-point thrashing at home to South Africa in August last year (16-52).

And it is not going to get any easier with world champions South Africa the visitors to the Principality Stadium on Saturday for Wales' Autumn Nations Series finale.

South Africa have emerged victorious in six of their last seven Tests against Wales (L1) and have also won each of their last three games against Wales by margins of 16+ points.

Another triumph would see Wales going the calendar year without winning a Test, which has not happened since 1937, though Howley has no doubt that Wales are in safe hands.

"We've got the best coach in the world who has had a legacy of more than 13 years," said Howley.

"He's won Grand Slams and there is no better coach to have in your camp than Warren. He gives players the confidence and self-belief they need to go out and play."

“Last week's result hurts and we are just as disappointed by it as the fans. This week we need to show real courage and front up against the World Champions.” Head coach Warren Gatland following team announcement #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/0Hyu9FBuvC

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

During Gatland's first stint in charge from 2008 to 2019, Wales were World Cup semi-finalists, Six Nations champions and Grand Slam winners.

This time around, amid far more challenging circumstances and attempting to mould a new squad, Wales have won just six out of his 23 Tests at the helm.

Wales have also won just one of their last 11 Test matches at the Principality Stadium, last winning in Cardiff against Argentina in November 2023.

Howley was asked if he would take an interim head coach job if Gatland departed, but responded defiantly by saying, "Warren Gatland won't leave".

Howley insists Gatland's experiences can help turn Wales around, saying: "Warren is a hugely respected coach and has coached over a number of years.

"His legacy with different teams is a winning legacy. At the moment, we are in this spell where we are losing.

"We at some point know we will win, and I hope it will be the next game on Saturday. I think at the moment we've got the best coach who has got years of experience.

"We've been in changing rooms where we've won and lost, Lions changing rooms going into the series at 1-1 with everything on the line.

"He understands rugby, and I believe Wales have got the best coach in the world to get us out of this."