• Six Nations defeat by Italy was 14th consecutive reverse
• Wales sit 12th in world rankings, lowest-ever position

Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt has been handed the Wales coaching reins on an interim basis after Warren Gatland’s second spell as head coach ended abruptly on Tuesday. Welsh supporters have been warned, however, there is “no magic bullet” that will instantly revive the national team after Saturday’s dismal 22-15 defeat to Italy.

Gatland has duly departed “by mutual agreement” after 14 successive Test defeats, the worst run in the country’s 144-year international rugby history. Gatland, 61, had been contracted until the 2027 World Cup but the Welsh Rugby Union’s chief executive, Abi Tierney, acknowledged “there was a mounting sense that it wasn’t working” and said the decision was “in the best interests of the Wales squad”.