Warren Gatland

Warren Gatland CBE is one of the most successful coaches for Wales rugby club and a leading authority in international rugby coaching. During his time as Wales head coach, he led the team to three Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams. Warren started out as a rugby player in New Zealand with a long playing career and was a key member of the first-team squad. Warren is a highly sought-after speaker because his successful coaching career and philosophy are inspiring to audiences.

Warren started playing rugby for Waikato in 1986. He made 140 appearances and was one of Waikato's longest-serving players. Warren also played for the New Zealand national team, with 17 non-international match appearances. In 1989, Warren began his coaching career as both a player and a coach for Taupiri. He also acted as player/coach for Galwegians RFC, leading the side to promotion to the All-Ireland League Division 2. Warren announced his retirement from his rugby playing career in 1994. Shortly afterwards, he became assistant coach at Thames Valley in New Zealand, coaching the team to promotion in the National Provincial Championship, and head coach of the Ireland national team in 1998. Warren moved to England to become Director of Rugby for London Wasps in 2002 and under Warren’s vision, the team won three Premiership titles. Warren was appointed head coach of Wales in 2007. He quickly led the team to victory and won their first Six Nations title in 2008 with a Grand Slam. Wales won two more Grand Slam Six Nations titles in 2012 and 2019 with Warren as head coach. During this time, Warren also joined the British & Irish Lions as head coach for multiple successful international tours. In 2025, Warren departed from the head coach role at Wales. 

Warren was highly celebrated for his success at Wales. He was named Coach of the Year at the 2013 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards and the 2013 UK Coaching Awards. Warren was appointed an OBE for services to rugby in 2014, which was promoted to CBE in 2020 for services to rugby in Wales. Following Warren taking Wales to the World Cup semi-final in 2019, the Welsh Rugby Union honoured Warren’s rugby legacy by renaming a gate at the Principality Stadium to Gatland’s Gate. Warren published his autobiography Pride and Passion in 2019, which was shortlisted for Rugby Book of the Year at the 2020 Telegraph Sports Book Awards. 

Warren led Wales to the number one position in the world and was highly influential in rejuvenating Wales as a rugby playing nation. As a rugby speaker, Warren impresses his audiences with his expertise in coaching driven and determined athletes. Warren draws from his experience as a rugby player and coach to share valuable insights into teamwork, leadership and overcoming adversity in high-pressure environments. Hire Warren as an after-dinner speaker today to find out more about his rugby and Six Nations success.