Alex King will not be part of Wales’ coaching team for the 2025 Six Nations, with Rob Howley replacing him

Alex King, former England fly-half, will not be part of Wales’ coaching staff for the 2025 Six Nations, marking a notable Wales Six Nations shift in Warren Gatland’s backroom team. Appointed in December 2022 to replace Stephen Jones, the 50-year-old had guided Wales through two Six Nations campaigns and the 2023 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.

King’s absence from the upcoming tournament comes as a surprise, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) providing no official reason for his departure. Instead, former Wales attack coach Rob Howley, who returned to the set-up in December 2023 after a ban for betting breaches, will take over the role.

Howley was an integral part of the successful period under Gatland, which included three Grand Slams and a fourth Six Nations title. He also served as the British and Irish Lions’ attack coach during multiple tours. His return to the fold is seen as an important move for Wales as they attempt to break a 12-match losing streak.

In addition to Howley’s return, Gatland has revamped his coaching team for the Six Nations. Scrum specialist Adam Jones will join from Harlequins on secondment, and psychology and human performance expert Andy McCann has been appointed for the tournament. Mike Forshaw and Neil Jenkins will continue in their respective defence and skills roles.

With King’s departure, Wales hopes the changes will bring a fresh start to their Six Nations campaign, which begins against France in Paris on Friday, 31 January.

The coaching shake-up has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits, with many questioning the timing of King’s departure so close to the tournament. While some view Howley’s return as a strategic decision to draw on his experience, others remain cautious due to his previous controversies, emphasizing the need for a clear focus on rebuilding team morale and performance.

Wales’ recent struggles on the field have amplified the pressure on Gatland and his coaching staff to deliver results. The revamped backroom team faces the daunting task of turning around the team’s fortunes in a highly competitive Six Nations field, with France and Ireland currently dominating the rugby landscape.