WRU: Warren Gatland to stay as head coach for 2025 Six Nations but director Nigel Walker resigns

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced that Warren Gatland will stay as head coach of the men's national team for the 2025 Six Nations campaign, however the WRU's Executive Director Nigel Walker will step down.

The news comes following a review of the squad's performance under Gatland's second tenure in charge. Last month the team suffered a record-breaking 12th consecutive defeat, leaving the team without a test match win this year.

In a statement, the WRU said its board had "seriously considered wholesale immediate change" but instead decided that "challenging" Gatland to turn around the fortunes of the team on the pitch was the best way forward.

However the Union's Executive Director of Rugby Walker has announced he is resigning, after joining the WRU in 2021.

Walker said he had not taken the decision lightly but it was "time for a new leader for the performance department".

The review of the squad's performance over the past 12 months, carried out by WRU CEO Abi Tierney, also gave several recommendations.

One of which was the appointment of a new high-performance advisory panel that will be up and running in the New Year and include former senior players. The CEO will also review the high-performance structure at the WRU and "make necessary changes".

A third recommendation was that the WRU will immediately consider introducing additional personnel assisting Gatland, with the aim of "improving mindset, mentality and culture within the squad". Changes are planned before the 2025 tournament, including improving mentoring support for players.

Tierney, who completes her first year in charge in January, said another assessment of performances will follow the 2025 Championship.

She said: "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."Warren Gatland added: "I’ve been pretty honest in terms of welcoming scrutiny and challenge, as well as that I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results."I am pleased to have the support of Abi and the Board to take the squad into the Six Nations. This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together to turnaround our fortunes on the pitch. We know, more than ever, we will be judged on competitiveness, on success and on winning during the 2025 campaign."During the review I had the opportunity to explain my thinking, but I also appreciate the feedback and constructive challenge that has been put to me. I’d like to thank the players in particular for their involvement and their honesty. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Meanwhile, Huw Bevan, who is currently interim performance director, and community director, Geraint John, will take on Nigel Walker’s executive duties in the short term following the announcement that he is resigning.

In the New Year the WRU will look to recruit a new Director of Professional Rugby.

Walker joined the Welsh Rugby Union in 2021 as performance director and introduced the first professional contracts for Wales Women later that year. He took on the interim chief executive role in January 2023 and reverted to his current role with the arrival of CEO Abi Tierney in January 2024.

But 2024 has been a difficult year for Walker. He was at the heart of a breakdown in relationship between the Union and the senior women's squad when contract negotiations descended into chaos this summer."This decision has not been made lightly as I have cherished my time at the Welsh Rugby Union immensely, but it’s time for a new leader for the performance department," said Walker.

"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."I am proud of my achievements in the role and as interim CEO through a difficult period of time for the Welsh Rugby Union. I thank all those who I have worked alongside during that time and would like to pay special mention in gratitude to our former chair Ieuan Evans, and, to wish our current chair Richard Collier-Keywood and our CEO Abi Tierney much success in the future."

Tierney said Walker has spearheaded significant achievements for Welsh Rugby and thanked him for all he had done.

She added: "We are grateful for his contribution to our game but we respect his decision to move on and hand over the reins to a new leader."Nigel will always be remembered as the interim CEO who led Welsh rugby with dignity and grace through one of its most difficult periods"We must not forget that his legacy to the women’s game in Wales was to introduce the first professional contracts over two years ago and he has contributed significantly to the WRU’s evolution into professional rugby for our senior women’s team."We wish Nigel well for the future and thank him for his dedication and service to our national sport."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...