Simon Easterby, who has today emerged as favourite to succeed Warren Gatland, admits Wales are in "a tough place" right now. The Ireland interim coach is right at the top of the Welsh Rugby Union's list of candidates to become new Wales head coach, with Gatland expected to leave in the summer at the latest.

CARDIFF – Warren Gatland, who stepped down after a second stint as Wales head coach on Feb 11, will be remembered as a no-nonsense coach who oversaw a golden era of Welsh rugby when he first took over. His resignation follows the 22-15 Six Nations loss to Italy on Feb 8, which condemned them to a national record 14th consecutive Test defeat.

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach by mutual agreement following a record run of 14 successive Test match defeats.