Warren Gatland has embarked on a shock new chapter away from rugby after stepping down as Wales head coach earlier this year.
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The 62-year-old, who remains one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game, has swapped the pressure of the international arena for an unexpected new role, leaving many fans stunned by his latest career move.
Gatland’s departure from Wales brought an end to one of the most influential coaching reigns in modern rugby, but the New Zealander has wasted little time finding a fresh challenge outside the Test arena.-called lottery of consistency, Gatland says he’s gained a fresh respect for the men in the middle.
From barking at refs on the touchline to sitting in on their briefings, it’s a role reversal few saw coming — and one that’s given Gatland a whole new perspective on rugby’s most thankless job.
He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “Going across to the dark side (only joking!) has given me a whole new perspective and appreciation for the work that the referees are doing.”
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A new respect for referees
Gatland admits referees have been under fire this autumn, especially over decisions in the dangerous high-contact area, but insists they are working tirelessly to improve.
“They know they are not perfect. But what I see is a group of people working really hard to rectify the issues.”
While acknowledging mistakes – particularly around yellow and red cards – Gatland says frustration often comes from rugby’s grey areas.
“I know how frustrating it can be when calls go against your team, particularly those that fall within the grey area.”
He points to issues such as side entry at the ruck, not releasing, or not rolling away quickly enough – areas where subjectivity is unavoidable.
What referees are really focusing on
Gatland revealed that elite referees meet only a few times a year – typically before the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations – giving them limited time compared to teams preparing for a full season.
Despite this, officials are working hard to align their approach ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027, with four key focus areas:
- Space: “Trying to create more space when it comes to teams being able to attack.”
- Speed of ball: “Focusing on the tackler, and ensuring that the jackaler is completely legal at the breakdown.”
- Safety: “This is important. There have been some mistakes made around this when it comes to consistency.”
- Scrum and maul: “Ensuring both scrum and maul allow a contest for the ball and are also legal.”
However, Gatland believes these priorities have not been communicated clearly enough.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTDq9KLDQue/“I do not think these focus areas… have been communicated well enough to the fans, broadcasters and teams.”
Referees should admit mistakes
Speaking from a coach’s perspective, Gatland feels officials would gain more respect by openly acknowledging errors.
“They will get more respect when they are reviewing a performance and admit that a decision was wrong.”
He also criticised some TV commentary for inflaming situations unnecessarily.
“The most negative effect on the game can come from a TV commentator who says things like ‘that was a terrible decision’, but sometimes they are wrong or do not know the law.”
High balls, box kicks and Liam Williams
Gatland says the jury is still out on the clampdown on kicking escorts, arguing it has tilted the balance towards kicking teams.
“That now weights it more heavily for the team kicking the ball… That is why we are now seeing more box kicks in the game.”
If he were still coaching, Gatland says he would focus heavily on aerial skills in the back three.
“Liam Williams was one player who was brilliant at this.”
Law changes Gatland would make
Although he has no power to change the laws, Gatland outlined two areas he believes need clarity.
First, the breakdown:
“If a player is tackled and brought to the ground… I think they should be forced to release the ball and have to get back on their feet before playing it again.”
Second, the 50:22 law, which he wants simplified.
“Let’s make it simpler for the players, referees and fans.”
He argues that any kick made from inside a team’s own half should activate the law, regardless of where the pass originated.
TMO delays and the bunker
Gatland accepts everyone wants the correct decision but believes the game is suffering from excessive stoppages.
“In the pursuit of perfection, there can be too many delays.”
His solution?
“If a referee is convinced an offence is at least a yellow card… just show a yellow card and put the decision to the bunker straight away.”
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