Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Warren Gatland presided over statistically the worst Wales side in their 144-year international rugby history, slumping to their 14th successive defeat as they lost 22-15 to Italy in Rome last weekend.

The New Zealander previously enjoyed a successful 12-year spell as Wales coach which included three Grand Slams, two World Cup semi-finals and a record run of 14 victories that led to Wales briefly topping the world rankings.

He left after the 2019 Rugby World Cup before returning for a second stint when he replaced Wayne Pivac in December 2022.

Since then Gatland has overseen just six victories in 26 Tests - a win ratio of just 23%. Wales have also slumped to a lowest position of 12th in the world rankings.

Over both spells Gatland has been in charge for 151 games with his overall record standing at 76 wins, 73 defeats and two draws.

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Matt Sherratt was Wales attack coach under Rob Howley between 2016 and 2017 having also had spells at Ospreys, Bristol and Worcester.

He only took his first head coach role in 2023 at Cardiff but has quickly won admirers for his work at the Arms Park, particularly developing young players.

Sherratt will lead the Blue & Blacks against Connacht in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday, before joining up with Wales full-time for the rest of the tournament on Monday.

Cardiff Rugby chair, Alun Jones, said: “First of all we are really proud as a club that Matt is getting this recognition and opportunity. He is a fantastic person and coach, and he deserves this opportunity.

“He has a track record of developing talent, getting the best from young players and utilising a positive playing style. That is clear to see from the rebuilding job he has done at the club and continues to lead.

“This is obviously a time of need and we are happy to support not only Matt’s continued development but the Welsh Rugby Union in the Six Nations. I am sure he will do a great job and look forward to him returning following the Championship’s conclusion.”

Sherratt’s assistant coaches – Corniel van Zyl, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews and Jonny Goodridge – will lead the programme in his absence, with the only other fixture directly impacted being Leinster on March 1.

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In a statement, the Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney explained the decision to part ways with Warren Gatland.

"The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament," she said.

"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.

"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.

"Matt will return to Cardiff Rugby after the Six Nations in order to concentrate his efforts on what is already a promising campaign for our capital club.

"Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before this summer’s two-Test tour to Japan, with all options open."

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In a statement, Gatland said: "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.

"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 remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, the players who have played for me and all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years.

"Finally, I want to say a big thank you to the Welsh fans."

Welcome to live coverage of the Welsh Rugby Union’s press conference at the Vale Resort following this morning’s big news.

In case you’ve been too busy to hear or read, Warren Gatland has left his post as Wales head coach with immediate effect.

The WRU statement said it was by mutual consent after both parties agreed an immediate change was best for the squad.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is taking over as caretaker head coach for the rest of the Six Nations.

Before the press conference starts, here’s a quick catch up.

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