Warren Gatland: Howley hails Wales head coach as ‘world’s best’
During Gatland’s first 12 years in charge, Wales reached two World Cup semi-finals, won three Grand Slams and celebrated a 14-match unbeaten run that briefly saw them climb to the top of the world rankings.
Since his return in December 2022, Wales have recorded 6 wins and 17 losses in 23 games, which has seen them drop to 11th in the rankings.
Wales host the Springboks after comprehensive defeats against Australia and first loss at home to Fiji.
Gatland’s side have not won a Test match since the 2023 World Cup and there has been much speculation about his future.
Howley was asked if he would serve as interim manager if Gatland left, but Howley defiantly replied, “Warren Gatland is not leaving”.
Howley insists Gatland’s experience can help Wales turn things around.
“Warren is a well-respected coach who has coached for many years,” Howley said.
“The legacy he has left for different teams is a legacy of winning. At the moment we are in a losing period.
“We knew at some point we were going to win and I hope that will be the next game on Saturday.
“I think we have the best coach at the moment, he has many years of experience.
“We’ve won and lost in the locker room, and the Lions’ locker room went into the series 1-1 with everything on the line.
“He knows rugby and I believe Wales has the best coach in the world to help us out.”
