Warren Gatland SACKED as Wales boss with immediate effect

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Gatland’s second spell as head coach has seen the team endure their worst-ever losing run, with the latest blow being a 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome last weekend.

RUCK understands that, following that Six Nations setback, the WRU has decided to make a mid-Championship change, ending Gatland’s tenure.

Since then Gatland has overseen six victories and 20 losses in 26 Tests, with a win ratio of just 23%. Wales have also slumped to a lowest position of 12th in the world rankings.

Over both spells Gatland has been in charge for 151 games with his overall record standing at 76 wins, 73 defeats and two draws.

Wales are already lining up long-term successors, with Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby and Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith the two standout contenders.

Easterby, currently leading Ireland in an interim capacity while Andy Farrell focuses on the British & Irish Lions, has made a strong start to the Six Nations with wins over England and Scotland.

A former Ireland international, the 49-year-old spent most of his playing career with the Scarlets before moving into coaching, first at the Welsh club and then on the international stage in 2014.

A trusted figure in both Joe Schmidt and Farrell’s Ireland set-ups, Easterby has been a key part of the most successful period in the nation’s history.

Notably, he still lives in Cowbridge—just a stone’s throw from Wales' training base at the Vale Resort—giving him deep knowledge of the Welsh rugby landsca

Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby’s wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin’s Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny’s rugby career.

With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter.

Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the "rock" Siya has always called her.

Though the Kolisis’ marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa’s most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as .

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.