Gatland leaves Wales job, Sherratt appointed for final Six Nations matches

:Warren Gatland's second tenure as Wales coach ended on Tuesday by mutual agreement after a record-extending 14th successive loss with a Six Nations defeat by Italy.

Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed to take the reins for the remaining three Six Nations matches, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said in a statement.

Gatland had been under contract until the 2027 World Cup, but recent results made the 61-year-old New Zealander's position look untenable.

"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," WRU CEO Abi Tierney said in a statement.

"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 that Wales are looking to hire a permanent coach before this summer's two-test tour to Japan.

"Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time," she said.

"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."

CHALLENGING TASK

In December 2022, Wales reappointed Gatland, their most successful and longest-serving coach from his first 12-year spell, to replace Wayne Pivac after a poor showing in that year's autumn internationals.

Last week, Gatland conceded that trying to turn around Wales' dire fortunes was challenging and he questioned his ability to do so