Ex-Wales boss Warren Gatland lands surprise new job three months after sacking
Former Wales boss Warren Gatland has found himself work in Uruguay and will head to South America to serve as an advisory following his sacking during the Six Nations
Warren Gatland will take up at advisory role with Uruguayan rugby side Penarol three months after he was dismissed as Wales head coach. The New Zealander left his role with Welsh rugby after a horror run of results and has now taken a surprise next step.
Gatland will advise Penarol for the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) play-off finals. The club put out a statement and claimed that the 61-year-old would act as an advisor to their head coach, Ivo Dugonjic, and the entire Penarol staff.
His remit will also see him aid Uruguay's bid to reach the Rugby World Cup, with a qualifier against Paraguay in August before potentially playing either Chile or Brazil as they eye a place at the 2027 tournament in Australia.
Penarol became Uruguay's first professional rugby club when founded in 2019 and are top of the SRA table - they also provide the majority if players for the national side. Victory over Argentina's Pampas in their final regular-season game will secure them a home semi-final.
Gatland's CV made for impressive reading before he opted to return to Wales for a second spell, which ultimately ended in disaster. Upon returning to replace Wayne Pivac he quickly led the Welsh for the last eight of the Rugby World Cup.
After being knocked out by Argentina though the country embarked on a record-breaking run of 14 successive Test match defeats. Gatland left his job as Wales head coach in February when the Six Nations was just two games in with a loss in Italy proving to be the final straw.
It was a sad end for the veteran coach who had enjoyed huge success during his first stint. He was Wales head coach from 2007 to 2019 and guided them to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals. Wales briefly topped the world rankings in August 2019 after a record 14-match unbeaten run. During that first stint in charge Gatland recorded 70 wins in 125 games.
His exploits will Welsh rugby also saw him picked to coach the British and Irish Lions on three occasions. He presided over a series victory against Australia in 2013 and a more than credible draw against the All Blacks four years later.
Wales are yet to halt a losing run stretching back to a World Cup victory over Georgia in October 2023. With caretaker Matt Sherratt at the helm Wales' record run of Test defeats has been extended to 17.
The search for Gatland's full-time successor is still ongoing and now led by recently appointed Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby Dave Reddin. Scotland defence coach and former Ospreys boss Steve Tandy is a leading target with Sherratt claiming it would need a monumental offer for him to consider taking the job full-time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Reporter
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Bryan Easson names 38-player training squad ahead of World Cup
Scotland Women's Head Coach Bryan Easson has named a 38-player extended training squad in preparation for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, set to take place in England this August. Those named, include four uncapped players; Aila Ronald, Hannah Ramsay, Hannah Walker and Meg Varley; each of whom were involved in the training squad through the Guinness Women's Six Nations 2025. In a significant boost for the team, Emma Wassell makes her return to the national setup for the first time since 2024, following her recovery from a benign tumour in her chest. Hollie Cunningham and Coreen Grant also rejoin the squad after overcoming injuries sustained earlier this year. The group will convene in camp throughout June to build for the Summer Test period before the Women's Rugby World Cup begins in August. Speaking on the announcement, Easson said: 'I'm really pleased we are now at the stage of naming an extended training squad ahead of what is going to be a huge summer for women's sport. 'As we saw through this year's Six Nations, there are good players missing out on selection and I think that's testament to the depth we've developed, the consistency of performances, and the competitive standard being set week in and week out. Selection has been based entirely on performance, and that's driven some very tough decisions. 'As we move into this crucial preparation period, we're focused on sharpening every detail and pushing ourselves to the next levels. The months ahead are vital as we build towards the summer and set our sights firmly on competing at the Rugby World Cup. 'We've named a strong, competitive group that blends hard-earned experience with exciting young talent. I was particularly pleased with how our debutants and uncapped players performed during the Guinness Women's Six Nations – both in training and in matches – and this window gives them a chance to step up and show us more. 'It's also fantastic to welcome back Emma Wassell, Coreen Grant, Hollie Cunningham, and Meg Varley, all of whom have worked hard to return from injury and are now fit and available for selection. Their return adds even greater strength and competition to the squad.' Scotland Women extended training squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in England (caps in brackets) Forwards : Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (43) Gemma Bell – Gloucester Hartpury/Hartpury University (1) Becky Boyd – Loughborough Lightning (3) Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (47) Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (20) Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (2) Lisa Cockburn – Gloucester Hartpury (33) Eva Donaldson – Leicester Tigers (15) Evie Gallagher – Bristol Bears (35) Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (4) Jade Konkel – Harlequins (71) Rachel Malcolm – Unattached (56) Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (20) Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (51) Aila Ronald – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (uncapped) Molly Poolman – Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC (4) Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (79) Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (11) Emma Wassell – Unattached (67) Molly Wright – Sale Sharks (23) Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (20) Backs; Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (9) Beth Blacklock – Saracens (3) Rhea Clarke – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (1) Coreen Grant – Harlequins (15) Rhona Lloyd – Unattached (57) Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (31) Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (22) Helen Nelson – Loughborough Lightning (70) Rachel Philipps – Sale Sharks (1) Hannah Ramsay – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (Uncapped) Chloe Rollie – Trailfinders Women (75) Lucia Scott – Gloucester-Hartpury/Hartpury University (5) Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (29) Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (69) Hannah Walker – Edinburgh Rugby/University of Edinburgh (Uncapped) Evie Wills – Leicester Tigers (4) Meg Varley – Bristol Bears (Uncapped) Like this: Like Related
North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Jacob Bethell hails Virat Kohli influence after starring role in first ODI
A perfectly-paced 82 off 53 balls on his home ground at Edgbaston was the standout of England's 400 for eight in a 238-run demolition of the West Indies on Thursday. The Metro Bank one-day series opener was Bethell's first England outing in three months as an injury to his left hamstring sidelined him for the Champions Trophy and his IPL commitments meant he missed last week's Test win over Zimbabwe. Bethell might have featured just twice for Royal Challengers Bangalore but he feels emboldened by the experience, having opened the batting both times with India superstar Kohli, who recently retired from Test duty. 'I can't think of a specific thing he said to me that I was like 'that's what I'm going to remember', but it was just an accumulation over the couple of months of chatting to him,' Bethell said. 'I think he quite enjoys the overseas boys because we're pretty chill around him, but he's definitely got whatever they say nowadays: 'aura'. It was pretty electrifying to walk out with him. He's got a certain intensity, he flips that switch on as soon as he crosses that line. 'It was just nice to speak to him off and on the field, away from cricket. It was cool to experience someone of his calibre and how he goes about doing things. '(The IPL) was a great experience and I've definitely taken a lot for my game. I feel like I'm a better player now than I was a couple of months ago.' Bethell being at the IPL spared England having to choose between him and Ollie Pope at number three against Zimbabwe but the issue remains on the table for India's forthcoming visit. There were no discussions around returning early to put himself in contention at Trent Bridge, where Pope quietened his critics with a fine 171 to earn captain Ben Stokes' backing. The absent Bethell was unwittingly the centre of attention as Stokes hinted the 21-year-old would return for the first Test against India at Headingley on June 20 – only to clarify he meant a comeback into the squad was more likely, hitting out at an 'agenda' against Pope. Bethell, who impressed in his debut Test series in New Zealand last December, was oblivious to the furore as he steers clear of social media. 'I was pretty far away to be honest,' Bethell said. 'I didn't really hear a lot of it until one of my friends messaged me and said the whole thing was going on, but I haven't really followed it.' Jacob Bethel is some talent .. Do not be surprised if he walks out at No 3 in the Test series versus India .. 👍 — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 29, 2025 Ashes 2005-winning captain Michael Vaughan said on X 'do not be surprised' if England plump for Bethell in the blockbuster five-match series against India following his star turn in Birmingham. Bethell, though, is only focusing on Sunday's second ODI in Cardiff, where England could wrap up a first 50-over series win since just before the 2023 World Cup. 'Whatever happens, it will be, and when the time comes, it'll be fine,' Bethell added. 'I'm still trying to cement my place in this one-day side and the T20 side. If I get a chance in that Test side, I'll be looking to do the same. I'm just taking it game by game.'
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
The standout stars in Super Rygbi Cymru this year who you'll be seeing a lot more of
The standout stars in Super Rygbi Cymru this year who you'll be seeing a lot more of There are a number of youngsters primed to explode onto the professional scene next season Cardiff's Elijah Evans slices through the Aberavon defence (Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency ) The inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru season has come to a close with Newport defeating Ebbw Vale in the final to take the crown. While the competition was not initially greeted with open arms after the likes of Neath and Pontypridd were not included, there is far better alignment with the pathway than there was with the old Welsh Premiership. Improvements need to be made moving forward but a plethora of Wales' best young talent have shone throughout the competition and look well-placed to make it as professional players. Here are five players you can expect to burst onto the professional scene over the next couple of seasons. Iori Badham (Carmarthen Quins) The 20-year-old full-back made a strong start to the SRC season before suffering a campaign-ending knee injury. It came at the wrong time for Badham who was selected in the Wales U20s squad for the Six Nations but didn't get any game-time because of his injury and will now also miss the U20s World Cup this summer. But Badham is very highly rated and has been compared to a young Leigh Halfpenny by some within the upper echelons of Welsh rugby due to the fact he rarely makes mistakes. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Badham, who hails from Tenby, is a talented footballer who is strong both defensively and under the high ball, while he is a dangerous broken-field runner. Expect to see him start to get some game-time with the Scarlets over the next couple of seasons. Will Evans (Llandovery) The 19-year-old second-row made an impressive start to the season and was named player of the match in Llandovery's 21-18 victory at Pontypool in September. At 6ft 5in and 18st 5lbs, Evans is a real physical specimen who has the size and power to make a real impact on the professional game in the future. Evans is an old fashioned lock in that he does the unglamorous and unseen dirty work, which allows others to thrive. He is also a powerful carrier in the tight exchanges capable of making significant post-contact metres. Evans suffered an injury setback midway through the season but is not fully fit and has been named in the extended Wales U20s training squad ahead of the U20s World Cup this summer. The powerful second-row is highly rated by the Scarlets who have big plans for him and he is likely to get game-time in the United Rugby Championship next season. Dwayne Peel recently spoke of how experienced Wales lock Jake Ball, who has reversed his decision to retire by returning to the Scarlets, will help Evans' development next season. Elijah Evans (Cardiff RFC) The 19-year-old centre has been outstanding for Cardiff in the SRC this season and looks destined for great things. Evans is a product of Pentyrch RFC and played for Cardiff Met in Bucs Super Rugby last season. The rising Cardiff star is a very powerful runner who tends to hit good angles and you can almost guarantee at least a couple of clean line breaks a game. He is also a very physical player who can get over the gain line, while he reads the game well defensively and his distribution skills are also very good. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Evans has figured for Wales U20s and has been named in the extended training squad ahead of this summer's U20s World Cup. He is highly rated at the Arms Park and is a player who will follow in the footsteps of Steffan Emanuel and Tom Bowen in getting URC minutes next season. Harri Houston (Swansea RFC) The 21-year-old has impressed for Swansea RFC this season with his pace, footwork and finishing ability impressing. Houston is a former Wales U20s wing who is highly rated within the WRU pathway but has had to bide his time at the Ospreys. He has been playing much of his rugby in the SRC with Swansea and has only made a handful of appearances for the Ospreys to date. Houston isn't the biggest but he is a player with X-factor and can create opportunities out of nothing. The Ospreys have the likes of Keelan Giles, Ryan Conbeer and Daniel Kasende out wide but Houston is somebody who could be considered next season. Harry Rees-Weldon The 20-year-old has already broken into the Dragons team but expect to see more of the powerful wing next season. Rees-Weldon started the season impressively for Ebbw Vale and went on to figure heavily for Wales U20s in the Six Nations, scoring a stunning try in the victory over England U20s at the Arms Park. Big things are expected of the Dragons wing whose running style has been likened to George North. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. He is a powerful wing who is very strong aerially and in defence while he also has speed and is a potent finisher. Article continues below Rees-Weldon is expected to develop into a future Wales international.
