Warren Gatland quietly axes coach on eve of Six Nations

Warren Gatland has made a significant change to his coaching staff just days before the 2025 Six Nations kicks off, with attack coach Alex King apparently removed from the setup.

Wales Online reported that King had been left out after Gatland confirmed his coaching ticket for 2025, with Howley setting up as attack coach.

Former England international fly-half King had worked with Gatland since the New Zealander’s return to the Wales head coach role in late 2022.

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King’s tenure coincided with a winless 2024 campaign that led to a detailed review of the team’s operations, a review that saw question marks raised about Gatland’s own continuation as head coach. It seems now that the English man has become the proverbial sacrificial lamb for Wales’ travails.

A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the news: “Head coach Warren Gatland’s coaching team has been finalised for the 2025 Men’s Guinness Six Nations. Adam Jones joins as a scrum consultant on secondment from Gallagher Premiership club Harlequins. Rob Howley will take on the role of attack coach, while Alex King will not be involved with the coaching team for the Championship.”

Rob Howley – Gatland’s long-time lieutenant during his first stint in charge of Wales – returned to the national setup in 2024 in a more peripheral role. His responsibilities have since expanded with reports suggesting he has assumed greater influence over the attacking strategy. This reportedly left King increasingly sidelined and ultimately culminated in his departure on the eve of the tournament.

The timing of the former Wasps stand-off’s exit has raised eyebrows, however, coming so close to Wales’ Six Nations opener against France in Paris on January 31.

The 50-year-old’s departure brings an abrupt end to a second stint coaching Wales. His previous involvement under Howley in 2017 saw the team secure mixed results. His recent tenure, though, will be remembered as a difficult period during which Wales struggled to find an attacking edge.

Earlier in the week, Gatland spoke of the appointment of Jones and McCann: “I’m delighted that Adam and Andy will be joining us for the Guinness Six Nations and I’d like to thank Harlequins for allowing Adam to take up this opportunity. With less than two weeks to our first game against France in Paris, we will be working hard as a group to maximise our preparation and start our campaign on a high.”

McCann had been brought in to provide psychological and performance support. McCann previously worked with Wales from 2009 to 2017.

Forwards (19) Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, WillGriff John, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan (captain), Sam Parry, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams

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