Welsh rugby decline gathers pace after loss to Japan

The players and coaches will be scrutinised following another dire defeat, with some brutal comments on social media already on display.

However, the powerbrokers need to take responsibility, with Welsh rugby in freefall on and off the field.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney has officially been in charge since January 2024, with all 18 international defeats coming on her watch.

She does not pick the team, nor is to blame for why the supply chain of top-class players has dried up in recent years, but should expect questions on why it has taken five months, and counting, to appoint a new head coach.

Tierney, who is in Japan alongside WRU president Terry Cobner, inherited a mess but the demise has intensified during her tenure.

The chief executive and chair Richard Collier-Keywood is responsible for leading the game in Wales which is in disarray across the board.

There has yet been no evidence of strong leadership from the current regime to fix the sinking ship.

New director of rugby Dave Reddin has been tasked with appointing Gatland’s successor in time for the autumn internationals, while Tierney and Collier-Keywood have other matters on their agenda.

The domestic game is in flux with a major debate going on about the future of professional clubs in Wales and suggestions the number of teams could be reduced from four to three, or even two.

The WRU has so far remained publicly tight-lipped on its plans for the Welsh game’s future, which has created more uncertainty among players, coaches and supporters.

So despite what happens next weekend in Kobe, as Wales aim for a first Test victory in what will be 644 days, it will not be the end of Welsh rugby’s turmoil.

A win might provide some short-term respite and a glimmer of hope, with Sherratt saying the squad must channel the hurt from Kitakyushu to fuel their bid to level the series.

But a solitary success will not chase away all the clouds hovering over rugby in Wales. That is the sad reality.

A stormy summer is brewing before next season – with major change required to avoid more depressing days like Wales’ latest visit to Kitakyushu.