SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland’s daughter has launched a stinging attack on former Wales players after her father’s departure.
Gatland left his role as Wales head coach by mutual agreement after a record run of 14 straight Test defeats.
The New Zealander’s last win was against Georgia in October 2023.
The side finished at the bottom of the Six Nations in 2024 with five defeats, and suffered an embarrassing 15-22 loss in Italy last weekend, which was the last straw.
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Gatland’s success rate inevitably copped critics, including some former players who played under New Zealander’s tenure.
Mike Phillips, Tom Shanklin, and Dan Biggar were some of the players that very vocal in their criticism.
Phillips evens went to social media to state that Gatland needed to leave his role after their defeat to Fiji last year.
In the wake of the departure the 61-year-old’s daughter, Gabby took to Instagram to show her support for her dad and slammed former Wales players who she blamed for their negativity.
Gabby wrote on Instagram: “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 to who you brought so much success is incomprehensible. How quick people are to forget how much you did for Welsh rugby is beyond me.
“The Welsh fans are the most passionate in the world and I hope they can get behind the team for a better future. Time to come home.”
Gatland was reappointed for a second stint in charge of Wales in December 2022 after winning three Six Nations Grand Slams and reaching two World Cup semifinals during his first spell.
*Additional source: The Mirror
