In the next week, the WRU faces critical decisions as Ronan O’Gara raises questions about their future and coaching staff.
Cardiff: The Welsh Rugby Union is in a bit of a pickle right now. In just a week, CEO Abi Tierney is expected to present the results of a review that follows a pretty dismal 2024 season.
Now, this isn’t just any review. With Wales losing 12 Tests in a row, including a shocking defeat to Fiji, it’s hard to call it standard procedure. The team has really struggled, conceding a whopping 97 points against Australia and South Africa.
There’s a lot of pressure on head coach Warren Gatland. This year has been the worst in the history of Welsh rugby, and they’ve finished without a Test win for the first time since 1937. Ouch!
Things were looking pretty grim after the losses to the Wallabies and Springboks. It felt like Gatland might be on his way out. But insiders say the Union is still backing him, at least for now, as they don’t have many other options.
Coaching changes could be on the table, though. Gatland’s staff has mostly stayed the same for two years, and whispers about Alex King possibly moving on have been floating around. Fresh voices might be just what they need.
Wales has been all over the place with their playing style this year, trying to do a bit of everything. But maybe it’s time to pick a clear direction and stick with it. Players are reportedly looking for more clarity from their coaches.
There’s also talk about the high-performance department being reviewed, especially with Nigel Walker’s position in question. The board seems more excited about Gatland stepping up than about Walker’s future.
So, we’ll see what happens next week. It’s a crucial time for Welsh rugby, and the decisions made could shape the future of the team.