Wales 19-24 Fiji: Gatland happy for pressure after record loss

Wales have not won since defeating Georgia in the World Cup pool match in October 2023 in Nantes.

They have suffered a World Cup quarter-final elimination against Argentina, five defeats in the Six Nations where Wales picked up a Wooden Spoon for the first time in 21 years.

Following defeat against Italy in March, Gatland says he offered Welsh Rugby Union [WRU] chief executive Abi Tierney his resignation, which was turned down.

Since then there have been further losses against South Africa, Australia and now Fiji.

Gatland’s record in his second stint as head coach is six wins in 22 matches which is a 27% success rate.

Wales fly-half Sam Davies, currently playing for Grenoble in France, wrote on social media it was “time for a change”, while former Wales centre Jamie Roberts, now WRU independent non-executive director, was critical.

“He [Gatland] says they’re growing as a group but I have to disagree to be honest,” Roberts told S4C.

“It’s the worst Wales have ever been in the professional era, losing 10 on the bounce.

“I get the spin Warren wants to put on it. I’m sorry, I don’t think Wales have moved forward. Watching Australia yesterday I’ve seen a team that’s grown.

“But watching that performance today [Wales against Fiji], I haven’t seen a team that’s grown from the summer.”