It’s been just over one year since the former Wales head coach left in the middle of the Six Nations
Warren Gatland and his wife, Trudi, while on holiday with his family(Image: Instagram/Gabby Gatland)
Just over a year on from the day Warren Gatland walked away from Wales in the middle of the Six Nations, the New Zealander’s life looks very different.
Gatland stunned the rugby world in February 2025 when he stepped down as Wales head coach ahead of a daunting clash with Ireland, bringing an abrupt end to a second stint that had unravelled after a record-breaking run of defeats.
As Wales prepare to face Ireland once again tonight, the occasion represents a stark reminder of the moment the country’s most successful coach decided it was time to go.
In the 12 months since, Gatland has kept a relatively low profile, but his year has still included a surprise job on the other side of the world, links to a string of coaching roles and a chance to spend time with family after the most turbulent spell of his coaching career.
Why he quit Wales as daughter called out ex-players
Gatland’s departure from the Wales job came after a miserable second spell in charge.
The coach who had delivered three Six Nations Grand Slams and taken Wales to two World Cup semi-finals during his first 12-year reign returned in 2022 hoping to rebuild the national side. Instead, his second tenure spiralled into a run of 14 successive Test defeats.
By the time the 2025 Six Nations rolled around, pressure on the 62-year-old had become overwhelming. Wales had failed to win a Test match in 2024 and a poor start to the championship left his position untenable.
Gatland eventually walked away just days before Wales were due to face Ireland.
In the immediate aftermath, his daughter Gabby publicly defended him in an emotional message on social media, calling out criticism from former players.
“You’ve given your all to Welsh rugby over the past 14 years, while living on the other side of the world from your family,” she wrote.
“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.
“The Welsh fans are the most passionate in the world & I hope they can get behind the team for a better future. Time to come home.”
Warren Gatland and his daughter, Gabby(Image: Gabby Gatland/Instagram)
Former Wales internationals including Mike Phillips, Tom Shanklin and Dan Biggar had been among those to question Gatland’s position as the losing run stretched on.
A week after leaving the role, Gatland, while wiping away tears, admitted he had begun to dread matches during his final weeks in charge.
“The negativity kept weighing down on me,” he said. “I was going into games nervous and probably not feeling that sort of positivity and belief.
“Almost dreading the game and the results and the negativity that follows.
“Leaving was the best decision for Welsh rugby first – and then for me. Time to walk away and give everyone a bit of breathing space and for someone else to take over and see if they can have an impact.
“I’m quite happy to take all of that criticism and then be the fall guy. I think it was the right decision for everybody.”
New job in rugby
Although Gatland initially spoke about taking time away from the game, he did not stay out of rugby for long.
In May 2025 he accepted a surprise advisory role with Uruguayan club side Peñarol Rugby, working alongside head coach Ivo Dugonjic ahead of the Super Rugby Americas play-offs.
The short-term move took the rugby world by surprise, but Gatland said he was attracted by the challenge and the chance to experience a different rugby environment.
Peñarol went on to win the competition in dramatic fashion, edging Dogos XV 35-34 in a thrilling final in Montevideo.
The former Wales boss was also involved during the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last summer, working as a pundit alongside former Wales players.
Gatland is pictured with Penarol forwards coach Conrado Gonzalez. (Image: Peñarol Press)
Rumoured rugby return
Despite stepping away from the international game last year, Gatland’s name has continued to be linked with coaching vacancies around the world.
He has been tipped for roles with national sides, including Georgia, while reports in Japan suggested he could take over club side Urayasu D-Rocks, a move that ultimately never materialised.
The Georgia job, meanwhile, eventually went to Pierre-Henry Broncan, who will take over after his campaign ends with Brive in Pro D2.
More recently he has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the director of rugby position at Premiership side Harlequins. However he is understood to have turned down that role.
Gatland has denied agreeing any new job so far, but he has made it clear he would still consider returning to coaching.
The New Zealander has said he is “not done with coaching” and that working with a national team ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup could be an appealing challenge given his experience of tournament preparation.
Just last month, Gatland was spotted in the stands watching Portugal and Romania in the Rugby Europe Championship, fuelling speculation that he could return to the international stage.
Gatland was in attendance at the Estadio Nacional Jamor as Portugal powered to a 44-7 win, setting tongues wagging that he could be eyeing a role with the Lobos – or perhaps even the struggling Romanians – ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
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Time with family
Perhaps the biggest change in Gatland’s life since leaving Wales has been the chance to spend time away from the relentless pressure of international rugby.
The coach had spent long periods away from his family during his 14 years working with Wales across two spells in charge.
After his exit he admitted he needed time to “recharge” and be around positive people following a draining final year in the role.
He has spent time visiting his son, Bryn, in Japan, with the fly-half having played for Kobelco Steelers since 2003, while he’s also travelled with his daughter, Gabby, and her young family.
The past year has been something of a reset for Gatland, but a return to coaching still feels inevitable.