With the Welsh Rugby Union set to confirm Warren Gatland’s departure, attention is already turning to who might replace him as head coach.
Wales dropped to a record low 12th in the world rankings and suffered a record-extending 14th successive loss following the Six Nations defeat by Italy. The 61-year-old New Zealander was under contract until the 2027 World Cup, but recent results had made his position untenable.
Initially there will be an interim coach until the end of the Six Nations, possibly current attack coach Rob Howley who has filled the role previously when Gatland was on sabbatical to prepare for British and Irish Lions duty, while a report has also linked Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt with the short-term position.
Wales next host Ireland on 22 February before travelling to Murrayfield to take on Scotland on 8 March, and they finish the Championship against England in Cardiff on 15 March.
A new permanent coach will likely be in place before the two-Test summer tour to Japan and there are several names emerging as early frontrunners.
Simon Easterby
The Ireland defence coach is currently impressing as interim head coach of the men in green, with Andy Farrell on Lions sabbatical. Easterby is based in Wales having played most of his career with the Scarlets and being married to Welsh TV presenter Sarra Elgan.
Franco Smith
His previous foray into international coaching with Italy was fairly uninspired as he delivered zero Six Nations wins over a couple of years before being pushed upstairs into a head of high performance role. Has done superbly as Glasgow Warriors coach since taking the role in 2022 though, leading them to URC glory last season.
Michael Cheika
An experienced, globetrotting coach who has been in charge of Australia and Argentina on the international stage, as well as Leinster, Stade Francais, Waratahs and now Leicester Tigers at club level. He is due to step down as Tigers coach at the end of the season and does not currently have another job lined up.
Matt Sherratt
The Cardiff coach has been approached by the WRU to take interim charge of the team until the end of the Six Nations, according to Wales Online. While Sherratt would likely only be handed three games, an immediate upturn in results could potentially put his name in the frame for the full-time position.
