INSIDE THE WALES CRISIS: How old-fashioned coaching, sexism and financial chaos have turned an iconic rugby team into a soap opera Wales have lost 11 Tests on the trot and face world champions South Africa next Join Mail+ to get ahead of the game with Rugby Confidential every Wednesday and Chris Foy's World of Rugby every Monday By ALEX BYWATER Published: 21:00 EST, 19 November 2024 | Updated: 21:00 EST, 19 November 2024 e-mail View comments On October 30, Wales made their entire 35-man autumn squad available for interview at the team's national centre of excellence. The mood was chipper. The players were amicable and erudite.
They spoke openly about the need to return to winning ways after a tough year. 'School time is over,' said lock Will Rowlands, one of the more experienced players in a young side. His message was clear - Wales had to start winning.
It was one his team-mates backed as they all sang from the same hymn sheet. You got the sense that while all was far from rosy, Warren Gatland 's team had the ability and personnel to be able to turn the corner. The brutal reality is that simply has not happened.
Fast forward three weeks and Wales' fortunes have lurched from bad to worse. The mood among the players is now as low as it has ever been. Head coach Gatland is clinging to his position after presiding over the worst losing run in the history of a proud nation.
It stands at 11 Tests. Wales have lost 11 Tests on the bounce - the worst run in the nation's history Head .