The Welsh Rugby Union has made the decision to support head coach Warren Gatland, despite his offer to resign after Wales’ defeat to Italy in the Six Nations. Gatland, who expressed his willingness to step down following a winless campaign and a particularly humbling loss to Italy, had his resignation rejected by the Welsh Rugby Union.
Following a 24-21 defeat to Italy in their final Six Nations match, Gatland submitted his resignation to Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney. However, despite this, the 60-year-old coach, who is under contract until the 2027 World Cup, remains committed to leading the team.
Gatland acknowledged that Wales had reached a “rock bottom” after their loss to Italy, which marked their seventh consecutive Six Nations home defeat. Nevertheless, he has voiced his determination to continue working towards improvement and development within the team.
Throughout his tenure, Wales has achieved numerous successes under Gatland, including four Six Nations titles, three grand slams, and two World Cup semi-final appearances. Despite the recent challenges, Gatland maintains optimism about the talent and potential within the team, particularly among the younger, less experienced players.
In contrast, Italy has shown signs of progress under their new head coach, Gonzalo Quesada, by securing two wins and a draw in the Six Nations. Quesada has emphasized the significance of redefining the team’s identity and instilling a sense of pride and organization within the squad.
Despite the disappointment of Wales’ recent performances, Gatland remains focused on the potential for growth and improvement within the team. The decision of the Welsh Rugby Union to retain Gatland reflects their confidence in his ability to lead the team through this challenging period and work towards future success.