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Things get awkward as Warren Gatland walks out of interview
By Ian Cameron
In the aftermath of Wales’ 45-24 defeat to France in Cardiff, a video has emerged on X showing a visibly frustrated Warren Gatland walking away from an interview with the BBC’s Sonja McLaughlan.
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The footage captures a tense moment where Gatland – having apparently waited for some time for the interview to begin – expresses his annoyance before deciding to leave the interview before it had begun.
McLaughlan’s attempts to reassure him with “We’re just coming now. We’re coming now” were met with Gatland’s terse reply: “You say that all the time,” signalling his discontent with the delay before walking off.
This incident has quickly gained attention, with Squidge Rugby commenting on the awkward exchange, labelling it “a very bad look,” while others defended Gatland for reacting the way he did in the context of a heavy home loss.
X user Harry Jones posted the video, with the caption: “And that’s a wrap.”
And that’s a wrap. #6Nations pic.twitter.com/glXkbRFcPw
— Harry Jones (@haribaldijones) March 10, 2024
Wales are now on the brink of finishing at the bottom of the Six Nations table for the first time since 2003, facing a crucial match against Italy following the defeat in the Welsh capital.
This loss – their fourth consecutive in the tournament – sets up a wooden spoon decider with Italy, who are entering the game motivated by a recent victory over Scotland. Despite the challenging situation, Gatland has called for patience during the team’s rebuilding phase.
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Even in the context of a rebuild, pressure will surely be on Gatland to beat Italy next weekend.
Sonja McLoughlin has to be the very worst interviewer in the world. How on earth she got the job in the first place is beyond me. Probably related to some big boss in the BBC. I mute her interviews she's so irritating!
The interview happened a few minutes later. Not worthy of an article surely?
So you have the BBC and a silly “presenter” in charge of proceedings. (Wasn't she the one who annoyed Ben Youngs a year or two ago?) And you're surprised it's a fiasco….??
Just for transparency, Sumkunn’s comment has now been edited.
Originally he said “a female presenter and you’re surprised it’s a fiasco?”
Having been called out on his misogyny, he then cried foul about “political correctness” and stood by his original comment. After it was pointed out he was just embarrassing himself further, he then changed the original comment to try and hide his chauvinism.
Not good enough Sumkunn. If you’ve made a mistake, apologise. Don’t try and cover it up. We see you.
Take your misogyny somewhere else.
Tough job being coach of Wales at the moment but I've always suspected Gatland was riding Shaun Edwards’ wave to the top and his resumé since they parted company is not good. Wales’ success in former years was always built on ferocious defence and elite fitness.