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While opinion on Gatland is polarised, what can not be debated is Welsh rugby is in disarray.
The much-maligned Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is much-maligned for the correct reason. The governing body are the custodians of the game in Wales who have failed in their duties in recent years.
Whether you think Gatland is the right man to continue in the Wales role, he has fronted up to the barrage of bouncers bowled at him in recent days.
In contrast, the WRU bosses have been hiding in the pavilion, looking for a night-watchman to take on the chin music, rather than stride to the wicket to face the deliveries thrown down.
WRU executive director of rugby Nigel Walker positioned himself at the back of Gatland’s press conference last weekend to listen to events. Walker also has questions to answer alongside chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney.
Welsh rugby’s governing body have significant decisions to make. Not just about Gatland’s future where there will be concerns over the financial implications over his departure, with the man himself this week stating there is no break clause in his contract.
There are also a plethora of other issues to be solved. Conspicuous by their absence for most of the year, the WRU hierarchy will at least be under the microscope when they face the clubs at the annual general meeting on Sunday morning.
That occasion takes place at the same venue and roughly the time Wales players and coaches will be checking out following another international campaign.
Whether Gatland will be checking back in next January remains to be seen.
Dismissed for 149 or soldiering on for another milestone next year? Events in Wales’ final match of an horrendous 2024 might just determine the answer.
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