Warren Gatland endured a tumultuous 2024 Six Nations campaign, with Wales suffering five consecutive losses, placing them at the bottom of the standings. Gatland’s future as Wales’ coach now hangs precariously in the balance.
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Following a devastating 24-21 defeat to Italy in Cardiff, Gatland candidly acknowledged that Wales had reached “rock bottom,” especially with their seventh consecutive home loss in the Six Nations. In a raw moment of reflection, he revealed offering his resignation to Abi Tierney, the CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union, immediately after the final whistle.
“I just said to Abi in the changing room, ‘If you want me to resign, I’m quite happy to do that,'” Gatland recounted. “She said, ‘Like hell, that’s the last thing I want, that’s what I’m really afraid of.'”
Despite Gatland being under contract until the 2027 World Cup and expressing his desire to continue, he emphasized his willingness to step down if deemed necessary by the WRU. However, Tierney rejected his resignation, leaving Gatland in a precarious position.
Bookmakers have adjusted their odds accordingly, with Gatland now the frontrunner for a departure from the Six Nations stage, surpassing Galthie and Gregor Townsend of Scotland. His probability of leaving has significantly increased, as indicated by recent odds adjustments.
Six Nations Sack Race Odds:
#6. Andy Farrell (Ireland) – 15/1
Andy joined the Irish coaching set up in 2016 as Assistant Coach. He was named as Head Coach to succeed Joe Schmidt after the 2019 Rugby World Cup/
Andy was assistant coach with England from 2011 to 2015 as well as defence coach for the 2013 Series-winning British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Prior to joining the England set-up, he coached Aviva Premiership side Saracens. A dual code player, he played rugby league for Wigan (370 caps), England (11 caps) and Great Britain (34 caps) before switching to union and joining Saracens.
Farrell won eight caps for England, including three appearances at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
#5. Gonzalo Quesada (Italy) – 12/1
Italy’s rugby scene saw a major shakeup when Gonzalo Quesada was appointed head coach of the national team, succeeding Kieran Crowley from January 1, 2024.
Their resurgence was evident when, under Quesada’s guidance, they clinched a historic victory against Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations Championship, marking their first home win in 11 years and their first tournament victory since 2022. The momentum continued as they triumphed over Wales in a nail-biting match at the Millennium Stadium.
Although they finished fifth in the tournament standings, Italy’s performance was hailed as a significant achievement, marking their best showing since 2013 with multiple wins and avoiding the bottom of the table for the first time since 2015.