Warren Gatland is set to depart as Wales head coach midway through the Six Nations tournament after a run of 14 consecutive defeats.
The 61-year-old New Zealander had been contracted until the 2027 World Cup but will now leave his position before the completion of this year's championship.
The decision comes as Wales endure their worst run in their 144-year rugby history, having suffered 14 consecutive Test match defeats.
Their latest setback came in Rome last weekend, where Wales suffered a 22-15 defeat against Italy.
Warren Gatland has stepped down as Wales head coach
GettyThe current crisis represents a stark downturn for Welsh rugby, with the team recording statistically their worst performance since international rugby began.
The run of defeats has seen Wales slump to their lowest-ever world ranking position of 12th.
This current crisis stands in stark contrast to Gatland's first spell as Wales coach from 2007 to 2019.
During that successful 12-year tenure, he led Wales to three Grand Slam victories and two World Cup semi-finals.
His team achieved a record run of 14 consecutive victories during this period.
Under his leadership, Wales even reached the pinnacle of world rugby, briefly topping the global rankings.
Wales lost to Italy at the weekend
PAGatland initially departed after the 2019 World Cup before returning to replace Wayne Pivac in December 2022.
Since his return to the role, Gatland's record has been particularly disappointing, with just six victories from 26 Test matches.
This represents a win ratio of only 23 per cent in his second spell as head coach.
Across both tenures, Gatland has overseen 151 matches in total for Wales.
His overall record stands at 76 wins, 73 defeats and two draws.
Several high-profile candidates have emerged as potential successors to Gatland.
Former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow coach Franco Smith and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby are among those linked to the position.
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Wales haven't won a Test match since October 2023
PA
Wales still have three fixtures remaining in this year's Six Nations campaign.
They face Ireland in Cardiff on 22 February, followed by an away trip to Scotland on 8 March.
The tournament concludes for Wales with a home match against England on 15 March.
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