What's happened
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has decided to retain head coach Warren Gatland despite a record 12-match losing streak. Executive director Nigel Walker resigned following a review that considered significant changes but ultimately opted for continuity. Gatland's performance will be reassessed after the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Duncan Bech from The Independent, Gatland's position has been under intense scrutiny due to a dire autumn performance, with Wales now ranked 11th globally. Bech notes that Tierney considered 'wholesale immediate change' but ultimately decided to challenge Gatland to improve results. Meanwhile, AP News highlights Walker's resignation as a significant response to the team's decline, emphasizing the need for accountability in leadership. Both sources agree on the critical nature of the upcoming Six Nations for Gatland's future.
How we got here
Wales has struggled significantly since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, losing all 11 tests in 2024 and finishing the year without a win for the first time since 1937. This prompted a review by WRU chief executive Abi Tierney.
Common question
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Why did the WRU decide to keep Warren Gatland as head coach?
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has made a significant decision to retain Warren Gatland as head coach despite a challenging period for the team. This choice raises questions about leadership, accountability, and the future of Welsh rugby. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this decision and its implications for the WRU and its fans.
More on these topics
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Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, England to the east, the Bristol Channel to the south, and the Celtic Sea to the south-west. As of 2021, it had a population of 3.2 million.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres.
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Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles northeast of New Zealand's North Island.
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Nigel Walker is a former Welsh track and field athlete and Wales international rugby union player. He is currently National Director at the English Institute of Sport. He was born in Cardiff.