Ex-Wales skipper Dan Biggar suggested Warren Gatland could be sacked during the Six Nations after Saturday’s defeat away to Italy.

It marked Wales’ 14th consecutive defeat in a row, with Gatland’s side having now sunk down to 12th in the world rankings – their lowest-ever position. 

A Tommaso Allan penalty and Ange Capuozzo try put Italy ahead, with the home side never looking like relinquishing their lead throughout 80 minutes of punishing rugby for Wales. 

Italy led 16-3 at the break and added a couple more penalty goals to take their tally to 22 points in the second half, with a sole try from Aaron Wainwright all Wales could muster. 

It’s left Gatland’s tenure as Wales coach hanging by a thread and when quizzed on the New Zealander’s future post-match, Biggar admitted he could be let go mid-Championship. 

Speaking to ITV Sport, Biggar said: “That’s for people far higher up than myself to decide. I don’t think anything is off the table, because you can’t carry on like this. We said in the Autumn, it can’t be 14, 15, 16 [defeats]. At the minute, it is going to be 14, 15, 16, unless something miraculous happens.”

When asked where the root cause of the problem is, he added: “It’s such a shame, because there’s so many good people there and people who have had success previously.

“But clearly what is happening Monday to Friday at the minute isn’t translating on the Saturday.”

Gatland addressed the concerns surrounding his premiership in the post-match debrief, insisting he’s still working hard on finding a solution. 

Speaking to ITV, Gatland said: “It’s very frustrating from our point of view, as a watch, probably shot ourselves in the foot with the penalty count being 14-4, I know we got a few in the end. Missed a couple of opportunities we created and didn’t finish off. Very frustrating.” 

When quizzed on his coaching methods, he added: “We’ve been pretty clear on the messaging with the players, but when you look back on the replays, it’s a couple of soft penalties we’ve given away. Couple of kick chases where we were high, offside at a couple of breakdowns. 

“Probably our scrum wasn’t as effective as it needed to be in the first half. We did create a few opportunities, bit unlucky in terms of Josh Adams had a couple of chances. Very disappointing.”  

On what comes next for Wales, Gatland said: “I think we’ve just got to be honest with ourselves. Some of the mistakes that we made as a group, just make sure we’re focusing on those things… 

“Looking to take your opportunities. They did that, kept the scoreboard ticking over by kicking three points. Disappointing.” 

Wales resume their Six Nations campaign on Saturday, 22 February in Cardiff against Ireland.