Warren Gatland is to leave his role as Wales coach, the BBC reported on Tuesday, after the side dropped to a record low 12th in the world rankings and suffered a record-extending 14th successive loss following the Six Nations defeat by Italy.

Warren Gatland says he left his role as Wales head coach after being "weighed down" by criticism – including from his former players.

Warren Gatland has admitted that he is “hurting” after his second stint in charge of Walesw was brought to an end, but stressed that his exit was the “best decision for everybody”. Gatland’s tenure as head coach ended by mutual consent last week just two rounds into the Six Nations after the veteran presided over a run of 14 consecutive defeats.