Warren Gatland's second tenure as Wales coach ended on Tuesday by mutual agreement, the Welsh Rugby Union said, after a record-extending 14th successive loss in a Six Nations defeat by Italy. Cardiff Rugby's Matt Sherratt has been appointed as the head coach for the remaining three Six Nations matches.

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach during the Six Nations after a record 14 successive Test match defeats. Gatland, 61, was contracted until the 2027 World Cup but has departed by mutual consent, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed.

Current Wales assistant coach Rob Howley filled that role during Gatland’s first reign as Wales boss when the New Zealander was on British and Irish Lions coaching duties. A permanent successor to Gatland, should he depart, would ideally be in place for Wales’ two-Test summer tour to Japan.