Warren Gatland LEAVES Wales midway through Six Nations in rarely-seen move after worst losing streak in their history

WARREN Gatland has LEFT his role as Wales rugby head coach just two games into their horror Six Nations campaign.

Wales are suffering from the worst run of form in their history after 14 consecutive defeats and have slumped to 12th in the rankings.

Pressure ramped up on Gatland after another demoralising defeat in the 22-15 Six Nations loss to Italy in Rome on Saturday.

The New Zealander has left "by mutual consent" during the Championship - with three games remaining.

Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the tournament.

Gatland becomes the second coach to quit during a Six Nations campaign since Mike Ruddock resigned from Wales in 2006.

Former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow coach Franco Smith and Ireland boss Simon Easterby (currently standing in for Andy Farrell while he coaches the British & Irish Lions) are potential long-term successors.

Wales fancied a first win in 14 games against Italy but failed to turn up and are favourites to wooden spoon for successive years.

The margin of defeat in Rome - their first loss in the Italian capital in 18 years - flattered Wales.

The Dragons bagged two late tries when Italy were thinking more about their lap of honour than seeing the game out.

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SunSport revealed on Monday that Gatland's job was on the line and WRU board have scheduled a board meeting for Wednesday.

Wales sit rock bottom of the Six Nations standings and were hammered 43-0 in France in their opener.

Wales are closer to Brazil and Belgium in rugby’s world rankings, than to South Africa and New Zealand.

Second-tier nation Georgia climbed above them after a 40-7 win over Holland.

Gatland was contracted until the 2027 World Cup.

He was in charge of Wales’ worst and best ever runs.

They actually won 14 games in a row in 2017-19 and briefly topped the world rankings.

Gatland won four Six Nations titles with Wales during his first stint in charge between 2007 to 2019, in a period that also saw his side reach two World Cup semi-finals.

But the 61-year-old's second stint was nothing short of disastrous since replacing Wayne Pivac in 2022.

They have won just six of his 26 matches in charge this time around.

Former Wales captain Gwyn Jones was one of many ex-players to deliver a savage verdict on the coach’s efforts.

Jones said: "His position is untenable. Even a win in Italy wouldn't have been enough."

And with Ireland and England travelling to Cardiff, sandwiched around a trip to Scotland, even the most passionate Welsh supporter expects another whitewash.

Wales lost all five matches in the annual championship in 2024, but the home nation stuck with Gatland amid the influx of young players.

The Kiwi also coached the British & Irish Lions during their 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours.

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