Wales have confirmed the exit of head coach Warren Gatland by mutual agreement following a pitiful start to their 2025 Six Nations Championship.
Wales are currently propping up the standings after losing both of their opening fixtures, a 43-0 thrashing at the hands of France in their opening fixture and a 22-15 loss to Italy on Saturday.
The narrow defeat in Rome over the weekend represented a harrowing 14th straight loss in all competitions, making Gatland's current Wales side statistically the worst in the country's rugby union history.
Following reports earlier on Tuesday that Gatland was to leave his post midway through the Six Nations, the Welsh Rugby Union have now confirmed that the Australian has departed, bringing an end to his second spell in charge after he returned to the helm in 2022.
Speaking to the official WRU website, Gatland bade an emotional farewell to the nation he first managed for 12 years from 2007 to 2019, during which he won four Six Nations, three Grand Slams and reached two World Cup semi-finals.
Gatland: 'Now is the time for a change at Wales'
"I would like to thank the WRU Board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and affording me the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament," Gatland said.
"We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change.
"I've reached the end of this particular chapter, but I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, to all the players who have played for me and to all those around me.
"Especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years. I wish whoever takes over all the best for the future. Finally, I want to say a big thank you to the Welsh fans."
After winning 55.4% of his contests in charge of Wales between 2007 and 2019, Gatland departs having won just six of his 26 matches from 2022 onwards, during which time the nation have dropped to an all-time low of 12th in the world rankings.
At the same time, Wales confirmed that Matt Sherratt of Cardiff Rugby would step into the role of head coach for the final three games of the Six Nations, after which he will return to his club duties.
Sherratt to take charge of Wales for final Six Nations fixtures
Sherratt previously served as an assistant coach for Wales in 2017, and Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney has revealed that the governing body plan to make a permanent appointment before Wales embark on a two-Test tour to Japan in July.
"We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won," Tierney added.
"Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales's call and is also testament to the strong relationship that now exists throughout the Welsh professional game that Cardiff Rugby are fully supportive of the move."
Sherratt's first game as interim Wales manager takes place on February 22, as the former top-ranked side in the world face a daunting challenge against perfect Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales will then take on Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium on March 8 in their penultimate Six Nations encounter, before concluding their tournament at home to England one week later. body check tags ::
