Warren Gatland says he left his role as Wales head coach after being “weighed down” by criticism – including from his former players.
Gatland left his role last week following a 22-15 Six Nations defeat in Italy, a result which extended Wales’ record losing streak to 14 Tests and saw them drop to an all-time low of 12th in rugby’s world rankings.
Gatland, 61, says he felt before the game in Rome that defeat could bring an end to his second spell as Wales head coach if his side lost.
“It was always a must-win game,” Gatland said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph., external
“The Friday or the Saturday before the game, I made sort of a decision without thinking too much about it.
“If we didn’t win that game, then I’d have to seriously consider my position. It would be the best time and the best thing for everyone to walk away.”
Gatland was contracted with Wales until the 2027 World Cup, but left his post by “mutual consent” three days after defeat to Italy, which followed a humbling in France on the opening weekend of the Six Nations.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney said both parties had agreed an immediate change was “in the best interests” of the Wales squad, with Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt quickly installed as Gatland’s temporary replacement for the remainder of the Six Nations.
