Warren Gatland’s daughter takes on former Wales players over criticism of ex-coach

Warren Gatland and his family after the Provincial Barbarians and British and Irish Lions squared off in 2017. Photo / Photosport

Warren Gatland’s daughter has launched a stinging attack on the former Wales players who turned on him, labelling their disloyalty to their former head coach as “incomprehensible”.

Gatland brought his disastrous second coming to an end on this week, when phoning Abi Tierney, the Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, to tell her he was “no longer the man for the job”. He did not seek any sort of pay-off, regardless of his contract running until the 2027 World Cup.

At a subsequent press conference, the departure was depicted as “mutual” and “amicable”, despite Gatland, 61, presiding over a record run of defeats that increased to 14 with the weekend’s defeat to Italy in Rome.

Yet, while there were tears when Gatland bade farewell to his management staff and the national squad, at home in New Zealand there was anger at the treatment meted out by many of the legends whom he guided to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semifinals.

‘How quick people are to forget’

Gabby Stone (nee Gatland) posted on Instagram and was in no mood to allow bygones to be bygones.

“I’m so proud of all your successes, but what I’m most proud of is that you returned to Wales to try and help them become a strong and winning nation again,” Stone posted on Instagram.

“Unfortunately the issues were deeper than you could control and the negativity that has come from not only the media, but ex-players who you brought so much success to, is incomprehensible. How quick people are to forget how much you did for Welsh rugby is beyond me.

“The Welsh fans are the most passionate in the world and I hope they can get behind the team for a better future. Time to come home.”

The Auckland-based lawyer, who lived in Wales for a spell as she completed her articles, did not name anyone, but it is obvious that she was talking about the likes of Mike Phillips, Dan Biggar, Tom Shanklin and Jamie Roberts, who all criticised him during his two-year second spell and said he should leave. It is understood the backlash was a factor in Gatland’s decision to quit.

Gatland is due to fly back to New Zealand this week, with Matt Sherratt appointed as interim Wales coach for the final three Six Nations matches.

Sherratt, who is also the head coach of Cardiff, will perform an unlikely job-share for the next month, with the country desperate for a win to avoid falling to an unprecedented second whitewash in succession. However, the 48-year-old is adamant he is not seeking the role on a permanent basis.

This was highlighted on Wednesday when Cardiff announced the former primary teacher from Gloucestershire has signed a “long-term extension” to his contract.

Sherratt will be in charge for the United Rugby Championship encounter in Connacht on Saturday before linking up with Wales on Monday for the first of four sessions. Five days later, Wales face the world’s No 1-ranked side Ireland at the Principality Stadium.