by Wales boss Warren Gatland will be in charge of the Six Nations after his job was “on the line”.
The head coach’s position has come under scrutiny following a disastrous autumn consisting of defeats to Fiji, Australia and South Africa which extended Wales’ losing streak to a record 12 matches.
This is the first time since 1937 that the national team has gone an entire calendar year without winning a test and it occupies its lowest position in the world rankings, 11th place.
The Welsh Rugby Union carried out a performance review but it was executive director Nigel Walker who headed out.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: “We have assessed in detail the planning and preparation, the enabling and controllable factors that are the responsibility of coaches as well as the culture of the camp, the mental strength of the players, their experiences to date and their own most candid thoughts on the current direction of the team.
“We have included the expertise and opinion of a wide range of reputable and knowledgeable sources and we have seen what many experts and fans have of course expressed, that we are not playing to our potential for the moment.
“I have had a number of very honest conversations with Warren and I will make no secret that his position was in play as we undertook our review.
“Furthermore, like any head coach in any sport, he knows that the security of his position is directly linked to the performance of the team and is a situation that will continue to intensify.
“There is a difficult challenge ahead, but Warren is more than ready to take on that challenge. We also think he is equal to it.
“In addition, we are also taking immediate steps to build and evolve the team behind the team in a way that has a significant and positive impact ahead of the 2025 championship.”
Gatland can continue to plot for the Six Nations opener in France, but Walker has left the WRU.
“My tenure has not been without its challenges and we have achieved a lot but, ultimately, it is right that I am judged on my performance on the pitch and both of our senior teams have found the last 12 months extremely difficult and therefore I believe it is the right time for me to resign,” he said.
Acting show director Huw Bevan and community director Geraint John will take up their roles in the short term, with a permanent appointment in the new year.
