Warren Gatland departs role as Wales head coach midway through Six Nations

Warren Gatland will leave his role as Wales head coach with immediate effect following a dismal start to the country's 2025 Six Nations campaign.

61-year-old Gatland, who hails from Hamilton, New Zealand, was previously in charge of Wales in a successful 12-year spell between 2007 and 2019 - leading the country to three Six Nations Grand Slams and two Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

It's fair to say his second term in charge of Wales has not gone as smoothly, with the former All Black losing 20 of 26 Test matches since replacing Wayne Pivac as the Dragons' head coach in December 2022.

Already in line to leave his role as Wales boss following the culmination of the 2025 Six Nations, Gatland has now been relieved of his duties following a first defeat to Italy in Rome since 2007.

This 22-15 loss to Italy was Wales' 14th successive defeat under Gatland in what is the country's worst ever run in their 144-year international rugby history.

Who could replace Warren Gatland as Wales head coach?

The following candidates have been reported as potential successors to Warren Gatland as Wales head coach:

Michael Cheika

Ironically the coach who began Wales' record-breaking losing run back in October 2023 as his Argentina side toppled the Welsh in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, Australian Michael Cheika has emerged as an early frontrunner for the vacant post.

Having confirmed he will leave his role as Leicester Tigers at the end of this season, Cheika may view a return to international management with Wales as the ideal next step in his career.

57-year-old Cheika is a vastly experienced coach who led Leinster to the European Champions Cup in 2009 and his home country Australia to the Rugby World Cup final in 2015.

Simon Easterby

Currently in interim charge of Ireland as Andy Farrell prepares to serve as the head coach of the British and Irish Lions this summer, Simon Easterby is reportedly being considered by the top brass at the Welsh Rugby Union to replace Warren Gatland.

Currently residing in Wales in the Vale of Glamorgan, Easterby spent 15 years as a player and then coach at Llanelli Scarlets.

Easterby is doing a stellar job as he keeps Farrell's Ireland hotseat warm, with his temporary experience as a head coach in international Test rugby perhaps making him keen to try his hand at another top job such as the one left vacant by Gatland.

Franco Smith

Another early contender to be named as the next Wales head coach is Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith.

A South Africa international during his playing career, Smith's stock in coaching has soared recently having led Glasgow to a shock United Rugby Championship win last season.

A well-travelled coach who has previous experience both in his homeland in South Africa and in charge of the Italy national team between 2019 and 2021, Smith may view the Wales job as an enticing route back into the world of international rugby.