STATEMENT: Warren Gatland offers to resign after Wales' defeat to Italy

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The 24-21 loss at the Principality Stadium marked a bleak end to Wales' campaign, leaving them with the ignominy of the Wooden Spoon for the first time since 2003.

Gatland's return to the Wales job has been marred by a string of poor performances in the Six Nations. Despite showing promise in the World Cup, Gatland has struggled to replicate success, managing only one victory in his last ten Six Nations fixtures since taking over from Wayne Pivac.

Pivac's departure stemmed from similar defeats to Italy and Georgia in 2022, highlighting the mounting pressure on Gatland to reverse Wales' fortunes.

When asked if he planned to stay in the job until the 2027 World Cup in Australia, Gatland said: "Yes, absolutely. I’ve made that commitment. I just said to Abi in the changing room 'If you want me to resign, I’m quite happy to do that'. She said ‘Like hell, that’s the last thing I want, that’s what I’m really afraid of’. But I can promise you we’ll go away and review this really carefully. We’ve already done some review stuff and (we’ll) work on areas that need to improve."

One fan wrote: "Does Gatland have to go? This is embarrassing. Against Italy."

Another commented: "Gatland could be history by tonight,"

A third said: "This is poorly prepared and poorly motivated Wales team Mr Gatland."

"Think Gatland needs to retire…" added another fan.

A fifth said: "See you later Gatland. Thanks fit the memories but it’s time to go,"

Another commented: "Worst six nations in our entire history. Should Gatland go? Probably. Thrashed by Scotland, spanked by France, comfortably beaten by Italy and Ireland. Wooden spoon. Just god damn awful."

Previously sharing the spotlight with France's Fabien Galthie, Gatland now stands alone at the helm of this precarious ranking.

Betting sites have adjusted their odds accordingly, with Gatland's likelihood of departure shortening from 3/1 just a week ago. Presently, he surpasses Galthie and Scotland's Gregor Townsend, positioning himself as the prime candidate for an exit from the Six Nations stage.