Warren Gatland survives WRU performance review, will lead Wales at 2025 Six Nations - 'His position was on the line'

Warren Gatland will remain Wales head coach for the 2025 Six Nations after being backed in a performance review by the Welsh Rugby Union, despite CEO Abi Tierney admitting the New Zealander's "position was on the line." Wales lost all 11 of their Test matches in 2024 to set a team record 12-match losing run. Gatland insisted he is "looking forward to the challenge" of turning the form around.

Warren Gatland will remain Wales head coach for the 2025 Six Nations after surviving an internal review in which his job was "on the line."

Abi Tierney, the CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), presented the findings of a review into the performance of the national team after a disastrous 2024.

Wales lost all 11 of their Test matches this year, sliding to 11th in the World Rugby rankings and finishing bottom of the Six Nations.

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A "meticulous and far-reaching review into the high-performance element of the senior men’s game in Wales" was conducted in the aftermath of the Autumn Nations Series, where Wales lost to Fiji, Australia and South Africa.

Tierney said that Gatland was aware that his job was "on the line" but he has been backed to lead the side for the 2025 Six Nations.

"I have had a number of very honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret of the fact that his position was on the line as we undertook our review," said Tierney.

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"Further than that, like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and that this is a situation that will continue to intensify.

"There is a tough challenge ahead but Warren is more than up for that challenge.  We also believe he is equal to it.

"In addition, we are also taking immediate steps to build and evolve the team behind the team in a way that makes a significant and positive impact ahead of the 2025 Championship."

Gatland: 'We will be judged on success'

Gatland led Wales to four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, in his first spell in charge from 2007 to 2019.

But Wales’ current 12-match losing run included the first winless calendar year in Welsh rugby since 1937.

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"I’ve been pretty honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge, as well as that I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results," Gatland said.

"I am pleased to have the support of Abi and the board to take the squad into the Six Nations. This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together to turn around our fortunes on the pitch. 

"We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success and on winning during the 2025 campaign.

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"During the review I had the opportunity to explain my thinking, but I also appreciate the feedback and constructive challenge that has been put to me. 

"I’d like to thank the players in particular for their involvement and their honesty. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Executive director of rugby Nigel Walker resigned from his position with immediate effect on Friday.

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"Huw Bevan, who is currently interim performance director, and community director, Geraint John, will assume Walker’s executive duties in the short term with a new director of rugby to be recruited in the New Year," said a WRU statement.

Wales open their 2025 Six Nations campaign away to France on January 31, before hosting Italy in Cardiff on February 8.

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