Autumn Nations Series: Warren Gatland wants to remain Wales coach despite dismal 2024 ahead of South Africa clash

Warren Gatland said he wants to continue as Wales head coach despite overseeing 11 successive Test match defeats. Wales were battered 52-20 by Australia last Sunday, while a defeat to world champions South Africa this weekend would see them go an entire calendar year without winning a Test for the first time since 1937. Gatland also rejected claims there is a break clause in his contract.

Warren Gatland has insisted he wants to continue as Wales head coach despite overseeing 11 successive Test match defeats. 

Speaking ahead of Saturday's encounter with world champions South Africa in Cardiff - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - Gatland said he still wants to remain in charge of Wales.

He also rejected speculation there is a break clause in his contract after next year's Six Nations. However, the New Zealander said he would resign if it were in the interest of Welsh rugby.

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Another defeat this weekend would see Wales go an entire calendar year without winning a Test for the first time since 1937. 

When asked whether he wanted to carry on as Wales boss, Gatland said: "Absolutely.

"I think we've been pretty clear in terms of the plan we've had. We've got a group of young players that need a bit of time.

"I have been pretty honest in terms that I understand the pressures of international rugby with performances and results. We can only work as hard as we have done.

Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, looks on prior to the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between Wales and Australia at the Principality Stadium on November 17, 2024.

Image credit: Getty Images

"I am aware of the pressure and that decisions could be made outside of my control. We've just asked for a little bit of time. Whether we get that time, we will have to wait and see."

After a record 52-20 defeat to Australia last Sunday, Gatland said he had a conversation with Welsh Rugby Union chair Richard Collier-Keywood and executive director of rugby Nigel Walker.

He added that he would consult with his family when considering his future. 

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Gatland's first stint as Wales boss between 2008 and 2019 saw him twice lead The Dragons to World Cup semi-finals, while also claiming Six Nations titles and Grand Slams. 

This time around, however, Wales have plummeted outside the world's top-10 ranked countries and won just six of 23 Tests under Gatland. 

Gatland has made four changes to his line-up for South Africa, with Sam Costelow recalled at fly-half.

Wales starting line-up

15. Blair Murray
14. Tom Rogers
13. Max Llewellyn
12. Ben Thomas
11. Rio Dyer
10. Sam Costelow
9. Ellis Bevan

1. Gareth Thomas
2. Dewi Lake (c)
3. Archie Griffin
4. Will Rowlands
5. Christ Tshiunza
6. James Botham
7. Jac Morgan
8. Taine Plumtree

Replacements 

16. Ryan Elias
17. Nicky Smith
18. Keiron Assiratti
19. Freddie Thomas
20. Tommy Reffell 
21. Rhodri Williams
22. Eddie James
23. Josh Hathaway

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