• [Wales Online Icon]
• Sport
• Warren Gatland

'Stick with the man you know' - the fans' verdict on Warren Gatland's future

Wales' run of form continued with defeat to South Africa on their autumn international tour, with Warren Gatland set to be questioned over his future as head coach

The Welsh Rugby Union will launch a review into Wales' dismal autumn campaign in the coming days and WalesOnline readers have been discussing the options for the team in our comments section.

It's understood that Warren Gatland and his senior coaching team will face a thorough review of their performance and the development of the current young squad before any decisions are made about his future. Gatland is expected to answer questions about tactics, selection and overall decision-making. Despite a 12-match losing streak, Gatland has indicated he won't step down as head coach.

The Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) five-year strategy, initially set for release this autumn, is still in discussions with the four Welsh regions. Central to the strategy is the WRU's ambition to gain greater control over Wales' top playersa move that the regions are hesitant to agree to without satisfactory terms and funding.

When queried about his views on the ongoing negotiations, Gatland remarked: "Theres been negotiations going on. They havent concluded yet, but some of the things the Union are trying to put in place will definitely make a change, depending on how radical those things are and how much influence were going to have to help implement those things. Its a case of negotiations continuing. Hopefully those things get put in place."

Meanwhile, following a defeat by the Springboks, Wales captain Dewi Lake has urged the team to maintain their belief. After another tough loss as the Welsh captain, Lake shared his thoughts with TNT Sports. Despite falling to the world's top-ranked team, he found reasons for optimism in the performance: "I think we showed a lot of heart and a lot of character in parts of that game," he reflected. "Thank you to all the fans for coming out and still supporting."

Commenter Mustbme says: Give Gats and the squad a chance to rebuild. The problem is the WRU and their dealings with grass roots. Also I understand in Ireland many of the school coaches are paid or subsidised partly by their rugby union so as to get the rugby trained at an earlier age? Some harsh discussions and reality checks by club rugby and more vision towards the national team should be pushed. Of course we want club rugby to be successful but in the current state and leagues it is never going to be.

Shamboo agrees: Gatland is doing what he has been asked to do - rebuilding. He honestly tells us to give him time. He knows the squad & WRU better than anyone and he has actually started from ground level. It does not happen overnight, he has the Welsh fans behind him - well most of them. Against the world Champions yesterday I thought our lads dug in & showed a lot of heart. We will plough through the Six Nation's. Its not going to be easy, but I do think our very young squad will be showing results in 2026. Let Gats do what he does best.

WelshLady81 adds: Give the man a chance to rebuild a team. The majority of the new team are fresh meat. The lads need experience on the pitch in front of crowds etc. Gatland has come out of retirement to build Wales a new team, let the man do his job without persecuting him. Good things come to those who wait.

Bob_ agrees: Wales were lucky that Gatland came back, but it's obviously going to be a long time to build up a side. Watching a young, not fully developed, but who are certainly willing being crucified is not fair on the players and will not do any good to their confidence. It's definitely a lack of forward planning.

Bwlboy adds: One thing Gatland said in yesterday's post-match conference that must have a lot of truth was the effect of the decision by the WRU to disband the National Academy in 2015. Between 2010 and 2017, Wales finished lower than 3rd in the U20 6 Nations just once. Since 2017, we haven't finished higher than 4th. It's a pretty damning indictment.

AniButt is not so supportive: After 12 years with Wales, Gatland left due to a lack of players able to play his style of rugby. He went to NZ and got found out at the Chiefs for his one dimensional brand of rugby and was quickly moved upstairs and away from the players. Just look at how the Chiefs have performed since he left, and then say again how a change of coach here won't make a difference.

DAB21 agrees: Strangely enough, I felt that there was an improved performance from the team yesterday. However, the amount of progress over two years, and especially the last year has been minimal. A decent coach and his team would have had more impact in the time Gatland has had. The improvement in the backs' play is still minimal.

Anthony3550 adds: Sorry Gatland and his coaches must go. The style of play is boring, wrong selections, going backwards, we need a fresh coach before the 6 nations, Gatland has had enough time for improvements, but we have gone backwards!

Heathwood retorts: There are too many people in Wales with no patience! How you expect to get favourable results from players who have hardly started shaving, I dont know. Knee-jerk reactions from the WRU are not what are required at the moment. Gatlands pockets are not filled with magic dust. Stick with the man you know.

How do you feel about Wales performance? Should Gatland resign or does Wales need to have more patience and wait for the team to mature? Have your say in our comments section.

[Wales Online Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Wales Online as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.