![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_Core-memories-made-camping-this-weekend-I-now-get-the-hype.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIt’s been just over one year since the former Wales head coach left in the middle of the Six Nations<\/p>\n
Warren Gatland and his wife, Trudi, while on holiday with his family(Image: Instagram\/Gabby Gatland)<\/p>\n
Just over a year on from the day Warren Gatland <\/a>walked away from Wales in the middle of the Six Nations<\/a>, the New Zealander\u2019s life looks very different.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n As Wales <\/a>prepare to face Ireland once again tonight, the occasion represents a stark reminder of the moment the country\u2019s most successful coach decided it was time to go.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Why he quit Wales as daughter called out ex-players<\/p>\n Gatland\u2019s departure from the Wales job came after a miserable second spell in charge.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Gatland eventually walked away just days before Wales were due to face Ireland.<\/p>\n In the immediate aftermath, his daughter Gabby publicly defended him<\/a> in an emotional message on social media, calling out criticism from former players.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve given your all to Welsh rugby over the past 14 years, while living on the other side of the world from your family,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cThe negativity that has come from not only the media, but ex-players who you brought so much success to is incomprehensible.<\/p>\n “How quick people are to forget how much you did for Welsh rugby.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Warren Gatland and his daughter, Gabby(Image: Gabby Gatland\/Instagram)<\/p>\n Former Wales internationals including Mike Phillips, Tom Shanklin and Dan Biggar had been among those to question Gatland\u2019s position as the losing run stretched on.<\/p>\n A week after leaving the role, Gatland, while wiping away tears, admitted he had begun to dread matches during his final weeks in charge.<\/p>\n \u201cThe negativity kept weighing down on me,\u201d he said. \u201cI was going into games nervous and probably not feeling that sort of positivity and belief.<\/p>\n “Almost dreading the game and the results and the negativity that follows.<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving 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.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m quite happy to take all of that criticism and then be the fall guy. I think it was the right decision for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n New job in rugby<\/p>\n Although Gatland initially spoke about taking time away from the game, he did not stay out of rugby for long.<\/p>\n In May 2025 he accepted a surprise advisory role with Uruguayan club side Pe\u00f1arol Rugby, working alongside head coach Ivo Dugonjic ahead of the Super Rugby Americas play-offs.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Pe\u00f1arol went on to win the competition in dramatic fashion, edging Dogos XV 35-34 in a thrilling final in Montevideo.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Gatland is pictured with Penarol forwards coach Conrado Gonzalez. (Image: Pe\u00f1arol Press)<\/p>\n Rumoured rugby return<\/p>\n Despite stepping away from the international game last year, Gatland\u2019s name has continued to be linked with coaching vacancies around the world.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Georgia job, meanwhile, eventually went to Pierre-Henry Broncan, who will take over after his campaign ends with Brive in Pro D2.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Gatland has denied agreeing any new job so far, but he has made it clear he would still consider returning to coaching.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> could be an appealing challenge given his experience of tournament preparation.<\/p>\n Just last month, Gatland was spotted in the stands <\/a>watching Portugal and Romania in the Rugby Europe Championship, fuelling speculation that he could return to the international stage.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Get the latest Wales Rugby merch at Kitbag<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> from \u00a35<\/p>\n Kitbag<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1_CaptureJPG.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_WGPICTURE4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Untitled-11jpeg.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n