Warren Gatland to Lead Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan

Warren Gatland is set to take charge of Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks, marking the latest chapter in the veteran coach’s long career.

The 61-year-old recently concluded his time with Wales after a turbulent Six Nations campaign and has since been involved in South America, where he assisted Uruguayan side Peñarol as they claimed the Super Rugby Americas title.

For Urayasu, Gatland’s arrival comes after a difficult return to Japan Rugby League One’s top division. The team won only three of their 18 regular-season matches and had to fight through the relegation play-offs to stay up. Former Scotland scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw, who had taken over from Johan Ackermann and guided the team to promotion in 2024, now makes way for Gatland.

Backed by telecommunications giant NTT, the D-Rocks are eager to rebuild and establish themselves as title contenders over the next few years. The club has already strengthened its squad with the signings of All Black lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Crusaders forward Quinten Strange and a crop of talented Japanese players.

Preseason training is already underway, with local players in camp and overseas signings expected to arrive shortly. Gatland’s first official match in charge will take place in December, when the D-Rocks face the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in the opening round of the new campaign.