Under-fire Wales coach Warren Gatland accepts change likely unless results improve

Wales coach Warren Gatland faces pressure as Wales aim to break 12-match losing streak. Photo / Photosport

Wales coach Warren Gatland said he knows his job is on the line after naming a Six Nations squad he hopes will end the national side’s record-breaking losing streak.

Gatland, in his second spell in charge, oversaw a dire 2024 that extended Wales’ run of defeats to a national record 12 matches.

A 45-12 drubbing by South Africa in Cardiff in November also meant they finished a calendar year without a Test win for the first time since 1937.

“I am conscious and well aware that if things don’t improve, then there is likely to be a change from the union,” Gatland said yesterday.

“I have been pretty straight up about it, but for me it is about rising to the challenge of making sure we go out there and perform well.

“Obviously, this tournament is about winning. We can’t hide away from that fact that we’ve got to go out there and play well and give a real performance. That is what we need to do as a group and as a coaching team as well.”

Gatland’s position came under formal review after the November internationals and the 61-year-old New Zealander faces further scrutiny by the Welsh Rugby Union following the conclusion of the Six Nations.

“Like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team,” WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said.

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

Wales face a tough start to the Six Nations, against France in Paris on January 31, before a potentially tournament-defining clash with Italy in Rome eight days later.

“Those first two games are really important for us,” he added.

“That game in Paris will be tough, then it’s the Italy game. It is about momentum. You get some good results and you never know what can happen in this tournament.

“I am pretty aware of the situation we are in as a group of coaches. We’ve got to go out and work hard to show improvements and perform well.”

Gatland has recalled the experienced trio of Josh Adams, Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau, with No 8 Faletau not having played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup because of injury.

Flanker Jac Morgan takes over the captaincy from an injured Dewi Lake.

The uncapped duo of Scarlets wing Ellis Mee and Ospreys first five-eighths Dan Edwards have also been included in the squad.

But November’s first five-eighths, Gareth Anscombe and Sam Costelow, are absent, with Costelow set to miss the whole tournament after suffering a shoulder injury playing for the Scarlets in Friday’s Challenge Cup defeat at Gloucester.