Warren Gatland’s second tenure as Wales head coach has ended by mutual agreement. Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed to lead the Wales senior side for the final three matches of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney expressed her gratitude to Gatland for his service to Welsh rugby and called on the nation to support Sherratt as he takes charge for the remaining fixtures against Ireland, Scotland, and England.

“The WRU and Warren have agreed that making this change now is in the best interests of the Wales squad as it continues to compete in the 2025 Six Nations tournament,” Tierney said.

“We are grateful to Warren for all he has done for the game in Wales. He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of silverware won.

“Matt Sherratt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’s call and is also testament to the strong relationship that now exists throughout the Welsh professional game, with Cardiff Rugby fully supporting the move.

“Matt will return to Cardiff Rugby after the Six Nations to concentrate his efforts on what is already a promising campaign for the capital club.

“Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before this summer’s two-Test tour to Japan, with all options open.”

Sherratt became Cardiff Rugby head coach in 2023 but has also served as attack coach and coached at the Ospreys, Bristol, and Worcester.

Gatland, who was reappointed for his second stint in charge of Wales in December 2022 by former CEO Steve Phillips after initially winning a hat-trick of Grand Slams and reaching two World Cup semi-finals between 2011 and 2019, contacted the WRU CEO on Monday to discuss his future. He said:

“I would like to thank the WRU Board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and for affording me the time and resources to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament.

“We have worked hard. We have a talented young squad that is developing, and we have been desperate to turn potential into results, but now is the right time for a change.

“I’ve reached the end of this particular chapter, but I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, to all the players who have played for me, and to all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years. I wish whoever takes over all the best for the future.

“Finally, I want to say a big thank you to the Welsh fans.”