Warren Gatland says he is 'hurting' after Wales exit following 14 losses

Former Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland reflects on his departure after record losing streak.

Warren Gatland, head coach of Wales, during the Six Nations rugby match between Italy and Wales at Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy, on February 8, 2025. Photo by Elianton/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Warren Gatland admitted he is "hurting" following his departure as Wales head coach after overseeing a national record 14 consecutive Test defeats. The 61-year-old New Zealander left by mutual agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union last week, bringing an end to his second tenure in charge of the team.

During this latest spell, Gatland's side struggled significantly, winning only six of 26 matches. In contrast, his first tenure from 2008 to 2019 saw Wales secure three Six Nations Grand Slams, reach two Rugby World Cup semi-finals, and briefly hold the world’s No. 1 ranking.

With Gatland stepping down, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed as interim boss for the remainder of the Six Nations, which includes matches against Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Gatland opens up on challenges and departure

In an interview with Britain's Daily Telegraph, Gatland reflected on the difficult decision to step away from the role, acknowledging the emotional toll of Wales’ poor run of form.

"The negativity will go away, it will go. Am I hurting a little bit? Yes, of course, I am hurting," Gatland said. "But I will get over that quickly."

He pointed to the February 8 Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome—Wales' last game under his leadership—as a decisive moment. The 22-15 defeat confirmed his departure, with Gatland admitting that the result forced him to consider his future.

"If we didn't win that game, then I'd have to seriously consider my position," he said. "It would be the best time and the best thing for everyone to walk away."

The former coach also shared how his mindset had changed during his second stint in charge.

"In the past, I have gone into games always nervous. But excited, a little bit apprehensive, nervous about what's going to happen," he explained. "Recently, I've been going into games nervous, probably not feeling that sort of positivity and not having that belief. Almost dreading the game and the results and the negativity that follows."

Gatland also addressed the relentless scrutiny he faced from the Welsh press, suggesting that the criticism contributed to his growing unease.

"I've felt a huge amount of negativity in the Welsh press, and that just kept weighing down on me," he admitted. "I just kept thinking, 'Where is someone in my corner or someone fighting a little bit for me?'"

Wales prepares for life after Gatland

With Gatland's departure, Wales is now under the interim leadership of Matt Sherratt, who faces the daunting task of reversing the team's fortunes. Reports suggest Sherratt is planning significant changes ahead of Wales' next Six Nations fixture against defending champions Ireland on Saturday.

Cardiff’s Ellis Mee is in contention for his Test debut, while Max Llewellyn and Gareth Anscombe—both of whom were left out of Gatland's original squad—could return to the starting lineup.

Another defeat against Ireland would set an unwanted record for Wales: their ninth consecutive loss in the Five or Six Nations tournaments. The team has struggled in recent encounters with Ireland, losing seven of their last eight matchups.

Meanwhile, Ireland is also under temporary leadership, with Simon Easterby taking charge while Andy Farrell is seconded to the British and Irish Lions for their upcoming tour of Australia.

Players look ahead despite struggles

Despite Wales’ current struggles, players remain hopeful about rebuilding the team's reputation. Back-row forward Aaron Wainwright acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about the squad’s future.

"A lot of people I speak to understand this is a low point, but they are excited about the chance for us to try to get back to where we were two or three years ago," Wainwright said.

He pointed to 2019 as a benchmark, recalling the team's Six Nations triumph and their deep run in the Rugby World Cup.

"I highlight 2019 as being my best year in a Welsh shirt, when we won the Six Nations and then reached the World Cup semi-finals. We want to get back to where we were then as soon as possible."

As the Six Nations continues, Sherratt and his players will look to end the losing streak and start a new chapter for Welsh rugby after Gatland's turbulent departure.