Warren Gatland could be handed a potential route back into international rugby after Uruguay sacked their head coach just over a year before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The former Wales boss has made no secret of his ambition to be involved at the next World Cup after leaving his role with Wales early last year. Gatland has close links with Uruguayan rugby after spending time there last summer in a consultancy role with club side Peñarol.
Gatland's Uruguayan connections
The New Zealander helped guide the team to the domestic title, and it was reported the link-up could lead to a broader influence on Uruguayan rugby heading towards the World Cup. He has a close relationship with Uruguayan Rugby Union president Sebastian Piñeyrúa, who previously convinced him to come on board.
Gatland has made his future intentions clear, declaring in December: "Since February, I have been enjoying a break. I feel now, though, that some sort of role with a national team going into the next Rugby World Cup could be a good challenge given my experience in preparing sides for these tournaments. It is the one time when an international head coach has his players for an extended period, almost like a pre-season with a club side."
Ambrosio sacked after poor results
Uruguay confirmed on Friday that head coach Rodolfo Ambrosio and assistant Juan Figallo had both left their positions following a review of the team's recent performances.
The decision comes after a disappointing start to the World Rugby Nations Cup, with Los Teros winning just one of their opening fixtures.
In a statement, the Uruguay Rugby Union said: "The decision was made following an analysis to have the entire national rugby community enthusiastically engage with the new strategic plan for all the national teams representing the Uruguay Rugby Union."
Coaching history and World Cup prospects
Ambrosio was appointed in 2024 after long-serving coach Esteban Meneses stepped down following more than a decade in charge. Although Uruguay produced an encouraging performance in a 43-28 defeat to France in his first Test, results failed to improve consistently.
A shock 42-40 defeat to Hong Kong China is understood to have proved the decisive blow, prompting the union to make a change with just over a year to go before the World Cup.
Uruguay have already secured their place at Australia 2027 after beating Chile over two legs in South American qualifying. However, Ambrosio leaves with a record of six wins and 10 defeats from his 16 Tests in charge.
The Uruguay Rugby Union has not announced a successor, but the role is an attractive one given the nation has already qualified for the World Cup and can begin preparations immediately. Los Teros have been drawn in Pool D alongside Ireland, Scotland and Portugal.
