WALES boss Warren Gatland will be in charge for the Six Nations after his job was ‘on the line’.
The head coach’s position has been under intense scrutiny after a dire autumn consisting of defeats to Fiji, Australia and South Africa extended Wales’ losing run to a record 12 matches.
It is the first time since 1937 that the national team have gone an entire calendar year without winning a Test and they occupy their lowest ever world ranking position of 11th.
The Welsh Rugby Union conducted a review into the performance but it is executive director Nigel Walker who has headed for the exit.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: “We have assessed in detail the planning and preparation, the enabling and controllable factors which are the responsibility of the coaches as well as the culture in camp, the mental fortitude of players, their experiences to date and their own heartfelt thoughts on the current direction of travel for the squad.
“We have included expertise and opinion from a wide range of reputable and knowledgeable sources and we have seen what of course many pundits and fans have expressed, that we are not performing to our potential at the moment.
“I have had a number of very honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret of the fact that his position was on the line as we undertook our review.
“Further than that, like any head coach in any sport, he knows the security of his position is directly related to the performances of the team and that this is a situation that will continue to intensify.
“There is a tough challenge ahead but Warren is more than up for that challenge. We also believe he is equal to it.
“In addition, we are also taking immediate steps to build and evolve the team behind the team in a way that makes a significant and positive impact ahead of the 2025 Championship.”
Gatland can continue to plot for the Six Nations opener in France but Walker has left the WRU.
“My tenure has not been without its challenges and we have achieved a great amount but, ultimately, it is right that I am judged on performances on the pitch and both of our senior teams have found the last 12 months extremely difficult and therefore I believe now is the right time for me to step down,” he said.
Interim head of performance Huw Bevan and community director Geraint John will take on his duties for the short term with a permanent appointment coming in the new year.
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