That was the explanation when Tierney was questioned about the move that saw Wale’s most successful coach of all time (three Grand Slams, two World Cup Bronze Finals, a 14-match winning streak and guiding Wales to the No 1 spot in the World Rugby rankings) leave, after two of the five games in the Guinness Six Nations.
In his place, Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt has been asked to lead the coaching team for the final three games against Ireland, Scotland and England.
ABI TIERNEY ON WARREN GATLAND’S DEPARTURE
“We caught up after the game, we had a conversation and we reached a mutual agreement that this was the best time, and in the best interest of Welsh rugby for him to finish his role.
“It was always going to be difficult to reach this decision, but there was a mounting sense that it wasn’t working and something had to be different. Up until now Warren had always felt that he was the right person to make that change and take the team forward.
“He no longer felt that, and when that happens we’ve got to look for a new solution. It was important for the team, the management team and the Welsh public that we made the change even though, ideally, we didn’t want to make it in the middle of the tournament. It’s still the right decision.
“Warren said he felt it was in the best interest of Welsh rugby for him to go. I think he’s always put Welsh rugby first and that was his main driving factor. He gave me no sense he’d had enough but when he no longer felt it was the right time for him to be in post, then it was the right time for him to go.”
‘THANK YOU’ WARREN
“We have to thank Warren a huge amount. In our conversation I said to him one of the main reasons I took this job was to work with him. He’s an inspirational coach and one of the best coaches in the world.
“I really hope that he’s remembered for the Grand Slams and Championships he won. They should be his legacy.
HOPES FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS
“We want to bring back hope and ambition to Welsh rugby and we want to help the players rebuild their confidence and mindset. There is no magic bullet – this a really young team and they’re playing their hearts out on the field.
“Matt Sherratt isn’t going to change that around in three games, but if we can see some hope and ambition, then that will be a step in the right direction.”
ABI TIERNEY ON THE STATE OF WELSH RUGBY
“It’s at a low ebb and we’ve got to turn it around. It’s the same systemic problems that have been around for a long, long time. What is clear is we really need systemic change that is going to make a difference to make the game sustainable for the long term.
“It’s really hard to do that quickly. I realise people are impatient and they want to see quick change but that is difficult when it’s a result of many years of systemic problems.
“This is a tough job and the complexities involved are harder, and some of the things I’m facing are much more deep rooted, than it’s possible to see from the outside than I’ve seen as a fan.
Matt Sherratt has been announced as interim head coach of Wales
MATT SHERRATT ON HIS APPOINTMENT
“I was sat on my sofa at eight o’clock last night and Huw Bevan’s name came up on my phone. I can’t repeat what I said when I saw his name come up.
“I’ve only known about this since I got offered the role at eight o’clock last night, but I’ve been in sport long enough to know it’s pretty bumpy. You’re never going to be offered an opportunity when things are going well.
“My background is as a teacher and in community coaching, so to have the opportunity to be senior coach of a fantastic rugby nation, and a group of players and staff I know pretty well. is something I couldn’t turn down.
“It’s not something I expected to happen – it was a surprise. There is obviously a harder side to this with me replacing a class coach like Warren who has given so much to Welsh rugby.
“It feels like when I started at Cardiff. Obviously, it’s pretty well publicised that Cardiff were on a bit of a low when I came in and I said to Abi that I think the first thing to start with is mindset.
“It’s going to be very difficult. I’ve coached international rugby before and it’s going to be very difficult to change a huge amount technically and tactically in what will probably only be three or four sessions before we play Ireland.
“If we can get a mindset shift and have real excitement in playing international rugby for Wales, it won’t matter what technical and tactical stuff you put on the pitch. If the players go onto the pitch motivated and with belief, then the technical and tactical stuff won’t make any difference.
“So, mindset first and making sure the players are really excited to take the field in 12 days time.
“I had training today with Cardiff and I have training with them again on Thursday and then will lead them against Connacht on Saturday. Then it’s back on Sunday to meet the team of Monday.
“I’ve got Connacht this week, Ireland next, and then Leinster the week after – that’s going to be a cracking three weeks!”
