Warren Gatland Links Welsh Rugby Decline to 1980s Teacher Strikes

The former Wales coach cites Margaret Thatcher-era policies and lack of school rugby investment as key factors in the sport's struggles.

Warren Gatland, in his first interview since stepping down as Wales head coach, attributed the decline of Welsh rugby to the 1980s teacher strikes under Margaret Thatcher, which he believes weakened schools rugby in Wales.
Gatland argued that the lack of investment in school rugby programs over the past decades has left Wales unable to compete with nations like New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, where schoolboy rugby remains a strong foundation.
He suggested that directing funds into schools and colleges for facilities and rugby coaching could have significantly improved the sport's development in Wales over the long term.
Gatland's second tenure as head coach ended following a record 14 consecutive losses, with interim coach Matt Sherratt now leading Wales in the Six Nations tournament.
The former coach expressed pride in his previous successes with Wales but emphasized the need for systemic changes, including a focus on youth development, to rebuild the nation's rugby future.