Warren Gatland to make shock return to international rugby ahead of 2027 World Cup

Uruguay today confirmed that head coach Rodolfo Ambrosio has been dismissed with just 14 months to go before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Los Teros will now begin the search for a new coaching team after assistant coach Juan Figallo was also relieved of his duties. The Uruguayan Rugby Union (URU) has decided it is unhappy with the direction of the national side.

Ambrosio's departure follows a disappointing home defeat to Hong Kong in Montevideo last month.

Uruguay have been drawn in a 2027 Rugby World Cup pool with Ireland, Scotland and Portugal. They will believe they have a genuine opportunity to progress as one of the best third placed teams, with their second pool match against Portugal expected to play a crucial role.

The absence of a traditional powerhouse such as South Africa or New Zealand could also work in Uruguay's favour, giving them a better chance of finishing with a healthier points difference than other nations battling for one of the best third placed qualification spots.

With no successor yet named, attention could turn to Warren Gatland, who has already built links with Uruguayan rugby.

In May 2025, Gatland accepted an advisory role in Uruguay just three months after leaving his second spell as Wales head coach. The New Zealander joined professional club side Penarol during the Super Rugby Americas play-off campaign.

Working alongside Gatland, Penarol went on to win the competition, defeating Chilean side Selknam in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina's Dogos in the final.

During his first spell as Wales head coach between 2007 and 2019, Gatland guided the side to three Six Nations titles, with each triumph completed as a Grand Slam. He also led Wales to the semi-finals of both the 2011 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.

Gatland also coached the British & Irish Lions on three tours. He led the Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia in 2013, oversaw a drawn series in New Zealand in 2017 and suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in 2021.

Now 62, it remains to be seen whether Gatland would be interested in taking charge of Uruguay. However, if Los Teros are looking for an experienced coach to lead them into the 2027 Rugby World Cup, few candidates can match his pedigree.

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.

Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.