Ahead of the Six Nations in January, Welsh rugby is at an all-time low. Losing their last twelve international games, the worst record in Welsh rugby history after beating the record of ten consecutive losses under Steve Hansen in 2003. Fans aptly call the current period the “dark days”.
On Saturday the 23rd of November, Wales played their last game of the year at the Principality Stadium against South Africa. This game resulted in a loss at home for the Welsh side, with a score of 12–45, continuing a dire run for the National Team. South Africa was dominant throughout the entire match, creating a lead of 0–26. It took until the end of the first half for Wales to get their first points on the board, when a try from Rio Dyer brought the score to 5–26 at the end of the half. However, South Africa’s experienced squad continued their dominance over a fairly young Welsh team in the second half. This makes it a year since the team has won a test.
Fans of the National Team are calling out for change, with questions over the current head coach Warren Gatland’s position arising. The former New Zealand International was head coach at Wales from 2007 to 2019 and made a return to the national team in 2022. In his first period as head coach, he led Wales to three Grand Slam titles, four Six Nations titles, and the semi-final of the rugby world cup. However, his second tenure has been contrasting in terms of success; after finishing sixth place in the Six Nations this year, he offered his resignation but this request was denied by the Welsh Rugby Union. Gatland, who received an honorary fellowship from Cardiff University in 2022, is facing mounting pressure, with many fans holding him accountable for the team’s recent failures. It is becoming an increasing possibility that his 150th game in charge of Wales against South Africa, may be his last.
Ahead of the new year, what is next for the Welsh national team? They could show faith and stick by Gatland, but this seems unrealistic, and it is highly tipped that Wales will start the new year with a new coach. Some names are already being thrown in the hat for the job, including Glasgow Warriors’ head coach Franco Smith and Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy.
Whoever is in the job in the new year, whether Gatland or a new head coach, there is no doubt that Wales will hope for a quick turnaround to avoid finishing last in the Six Nations twice in a row. With their first game against France at the Stade De France on the 31st of January, the opening game for the Six Nations, perhaps a new look on the Welsh side is what is needed for tournament success and to turn around Wales’ fortunes.