Unlocking Victory: Gatland on the Challenge of Players Lacking Winning Experience

The Wales men’s rugby team is facing tough times. Head coach Warren Gatland believes that many players don’t really understand what it takes to create a winning culture. He plans to keep his position through the 2025 Six Nations, even after a disappointing streak of 12 losses that goes back to October 2023.

Before Christmas, a review of Welsh rugby was shared with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). An outside company gathered anonymous feedback from players after a tough November filled with losses against teams like Fiji, Australia, and South Africa.

“The review showed us the challenges players faced and what they’d like to see change,” Gatland said. However, he noted that many players are still young and their experiences are limited.

“I sometimes wonder what they think a winning environment looks like. Most haven’t experienced one,” he added. Gatland emphasized the need for insights from people familiar with high-level sports success, both in the review process and coaching staff.

Gatland has a strong history with Welsh rugby, having led the team to three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals in his first 12 years. He also coached the British and Irish Lions to a series win against Australia. But since returning to Wales, results have not been in his favor.

The recent review wasn’t just about the national team; it looked at Welsh rugby as a whole, including youth academies and the Under-20s program. Gatland acknowledged that the team’s current struggles reflect broader issues in Welsh rugby. Changes are needed, but he warned that improvement won’t happen overnight.

“The review highlighted many areas where we can improve over time,” he stated. Gatland is aware that he needs to adjust his communication style with players too. He’s noticed that players today might require a different approach to maintain their confidence.

“We all need to think about how we speak to the players. It’s important to avoid damaging their self-belief,” he noted. This shows Gatland’s commitment to evolving not just as a coach, but as a leader who understands the needs of today’s athletes.

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Warren Gatland,Welsh rugby,Welsh Rugby Union,Huw Evans Picture Agency