Under-fire Wales head coach Warren Gatland has one rule at home he’s hoping will help him escape the spotlight currently being shone on him. The New Zealander had already led the team on the worst losing run in its history, but tensions are higher than ever following Saturday’s Six Nations defeat to Italy.
After losing their tournament opener in a 43-0 fleecing at French hands, Wales looked limp for much of their 22-15 loss in Rome one week on. Saturday’s trip to the Stadio Olimpico could have been even worse had an injury-time penalty try not bagged them at least a losing bonus point, but there are nonetheless legions of fans calling for Gatland’s exit.
The three-time Grand Slam winner will be well aware of the headlines tipping him for a second Wales departure. But Gatland is used to criticism, having had his fair share of it during his storied career. However, he has found a trick to make sure the stresses of the job don’t spill over into family life.
During his time at Connacht (1996-1998), he started enforcing a rule banning newspapers from the family home. Gatland, 61, admitted after reading a critical newspaper article about himself that he once ‘snapped’ at his son, Bryn, who had asked a question. And it was then that he decided it would be best if his family were kept separate from that side of his work life.
“So he came home, and he scrunched it up, and said, ‘We’re never buying the newspaper again,'” wife Trudi told ESPN in 2017. “He said, ‘I’ve bitten Bryn’s head off for nothing because I was up to here, and we don’t need that in our life.’ Warren’s father is now our censor, telling us what to read.”
Gatland’s family admitted to being impacted by the criticism. In the same interview, Warren’s daughter said keyboard warriors would upset her, saying: “I see dad’s face and it’s hard not to click on it if the title is negative.” Bryn also revealed that he has had abuse directed at his father sent to him on social media in the past.
Although he has always operated in a pressure cooker, Gatland may not have known a tougher time in his career than the present. Wales are now 0-2 in this year’s Six Nations and have extended their disastrous team record to 14 consecutive Test defeats. It’s also the first time they’ve lost back-to-back games against Italy, which all but assures they’ll finish this year’s Six Nations at the bottom of the table.
Gatland offered his resignation following last year’s autumn defeat to Australia but was rebuffed by the Welsh Rugby Union at the time. Some may wish the plaster was ripped off at the time, with no significant signs of improvement between then and now.
Gatland’s contract is due to run until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. However, with no sign of change on the horizon, many are wondering where the value lies in persisting with the status quo.
The coaching great is believed to be earning between £500,000 and £600,000 a year. However, with no break clause in the deal, the WRU would have to pay out any remaining wages if they made the decision to cut ties prematurely.
After this latest setback, the 61-year-old insisted he is ‘questioning’ himself but is committed to staying on in the job. “It’s not the easiest position to be in, but you have to be strong,” he replied when asked whether he wanted to continue.
“There’s no doubt it’s challenging. You do question yourself in terms of [being able to turn things round]. We talked [after the game] about continuing to work hard and staying tight as a group. Everyone is pretty frustrated, the players, staff and coaches. There’s no-one more disappointed than we are. We will review and highlight areas where we can still get better, and for me personally.”
