Gabby Gatland defends her father, Warren Gatland, after his resignation as Wales head coach, criticizing former players for their criticism and negativity. She highlights the deeper issues within Welsh rugby and urges fans to support the team for a brighter future.
Warren Gatland 's daughter, Gabby Gatland , has publicly defended her father following his departure from his role as Wales head coach. Gatland stepped down this week after a disappointing start to the Six Nations , with Wales enduring a 14-game losing streak. His last victory came against Georgia in October 2023, and a Six Nations defeat to Italy in Rome on Saturday proved to be the final blow.
Gabby took to Instagram to express her support for her father, while also criticizing former Wales players whom she accused of negativity. She wrote, 'Proud of you always dad. You've given your all to Welsh rugby over the past 14 years - while living on the other side of the world from your family. I'm so proud of all your successes, but what I'm most proud of is that you returned to Wales to try and help them become a strong and winning nation again. Unfortunately the issues were deeper than you could control and the negativity that has come from not only the media, but ex-players who you brought so much success to is incomprehensible. How quick people are to forget how much you did for Welsh rugby is beyond me. I hope the Welsh fans can get behind the team for a better future. Time to come home.' Several former Wales stars, including Mike Phillips, Tom Shanklin, and Dan Biggar, have openly criticized Gatland's coaching or called for his resignation during his second stint. After a disappointing home loss to Fiji in the autumn, Phillips took to social media, stating, 'Loads of positives, yeah?' Phillips wrote on X after a Gatland interview. 'You’re on 600k a year and don’t even have to win! How the WRU bring this guy back is just nuts! Laughing all the way to the bank. Sign up for our Rugby service on WhatsApp to get Ireland Six Nations news Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest rugby news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.' 'When I see this guy talking about family makes me cringe. Did he speak to me at the end of my career? Did he f! I won for this guy. This bloke is only out for himself, and it kills me to see all this bulls**t praise he is getting. He deserves to be kicked out, like he did to so many quality Welsh players.' Following a defeat to Australia in the autumn, Shanklin acknowledged Gatland's contributions but suggested it was time for change, stating: 'I've never seen him like the way he was after the Australia game. I feel sorry for him after all he did for Welsh rugby,' Shanklin said. 'But there has to be accountability for this run and not just from the head coach, but the WRU as well. 'Warning signs have been ignored about too much focus on the national side and not enough on the regions and academies to develop players. Gatland offered a short-term fix when he returned, but now it's time for a new coach with a fresh voice bringing fresh ideas. 'We can't play physical rugby any more because we lack size or power, but we're not seeing a plan B and there hasn't been any progress.' Gatland's departure highlights the ongoing challenges facing Welsh rugby, with calls for a renewed focus on developing homegrown talent and implementing a more sustainable long-term strategy
Warren Gatland Wales Rugby Six Nations Coaching Criticism Legacy Gabby Gatland Mike Phillips Tom Shanklin Dan Biggar
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