Welsh chief lifts lid on Warren Gatland’s resignation conversation ahead of ‘detailed review’
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney has addressed the furore caused by Warren Gatland’s resignation offer following their disastrous Six Nations.
The Wales head coach told Tierney after their fifth successive defeat in the Six Nations that he would be willing to step down if she wanted him to.
Gatland revealed that discussion in his post-match press conference and it obviously provided a significant talking point after another disappointing tournament.
Gatland’s comments
“I just said to Abi in the changing room ‘If you want me to resign, I’m quite happy to do that’,” the head coach said post-Italy. “She said ‘Like hell, that’s the last thing I want, that’s what I’m really afraid of’.”
Wales succumbed to the Azzurri 24-21 to complete what had been another dreadful Six Nations for Gatland’s charges.
After winning the title in 2021, the Welsh have won just two matches in total over the course of the next three tournaments.
Gatland, who is in his second stint as Wales head coach, has been in charge since the end of 2022 following Wayne Pivac’s sacking and has presided over the last couple of campaigns.
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Despite a solid Rugby World Cup, which saw them reach the quarter-finals, their performances under the 60-year-old have generally been poor.
However, the head coach has had to deal with several challenges within Welsh rugby which are not his fault.
He still felt the need to ask the resignation question to his boss, but Tierney’s response was unequivocal.
Inappropriate from Gatland
The CEO was asked whether it was inappropriate for Gatland to publicly reveal details of their conversation, but she backed the experienced head coach, telling WalesOnline: “I don’t think so.”
She added: “It was in the changing room after the game. Nigel (Walker) and I both went down there.
“It was a very brief conversation. Nigel had said pre the game when he did the interview that Warren had our support and that wasn’t going to change after the Italy game. I look around the world and Warren is one of the best coaches in the world.
“He’s got one of the best track records. Why wouldn’t we be sticking with him and giving him our support?
“That doesn’t mean in any way there isn’t going to be a very detailed review and looking at all aspects of the game and our performance. At that moment it was human to human.
“I was giving him my support as the coach.”