Renowned rugby coach Warren Gatland has joined Peñarol in Uruguay for a three-week stint as an advisor to Ivo Dugonjic’s coaching staff, just as the team heads into the Super Rugby Americas 2025 playoffs.
The news, reported by Ignacio Chans, marks a significant moment for Uruguayan rugby. Gatland is one of the most respected coaches in the sport’s history and brings decades of elite experience to a rising rugby nation.
A Legendary Coach Arrives in Uruguay
Gatland, 61, is a New Zealander best known for coaching Wales, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions. He led Ireland at the 1999 Rugby World Cup and Wales at four consecutive Rugby World Cups: 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He famously guided Wales to three Six Nations Grand Slams and most recently took the team to the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals.
After an unbeaten pool stage in 2023, Wales were eliminated by Argentina. A series of defeats followed, leading to Gatland stepping down as Wales’ head coach during the 2025 Six Nations.
His coaching career includes:
- Connacht (1996–1998)
- Ireland (1998–2001)
- London Wasps (2002–2004), where he won English Premiership titles
- Waikato (2005–2007)
- Wales (2007–2019, 2022–2025)
- Chiefs (Super Rugby) (2020–2022)
- British & Irish Lions tours (2013, 2017, 2021)
A New Chapter with Peñarol
This marks Gatland’s first involvement in South American rugby, working with Peñarol, Uruguay’s professional team. His role focuses on technical coaching, not results, and comes just as Peñarol prepares for the Super Rugby Americas semi-finals.
Peñarol has already secured a playoff spot. They will face Los Pampas in their final regular season match on Friday in Montevideo. A win would give Peñarol a home semi-final, an advantage as they chase the championship. Other confirmed semi-finalists include Los Dogos and Los Pampas, while Selknam, Los Tarucas, and Yacare are still in the race for the last spot.
Bigger Goals: Rugby World Cup 2027
While Gatland’s presence will boost Peñarol, the long-term goal is to strengthen Los Teros, Uruguay’s national team. Peñarol players form the core of the national squad. Uruguay is aiming to qualify for their fourth straight Rugby World Cup and sixth overall.
Uruguay’s 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification journey starts in July with a two-match series against Paraguay. The winner will face Brazil or Chile to determine South America’s top qualifier for the tournament in Australia.
Uruguay has shown it can compete on the global stage. They beat Namibia and Georgia at RWC 2023, upset Fiji in 2019, and defeated Spain during their 1999 World Cup debut.
Now, with Gatland’s expertise, the Uruguayan team is preparing to take the next step.
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