Wales' dire 22-15 Six Nations loss against Italy in Rome was their 14th successive Test-match defeat and looked like the final straw for his Welsh Rugby Union bosses. Staff were informed of Gatland’s departure this morning, with an announcement expected to be made by the WRU this afternoon. Wales are due to play Ireland on Saturday, February 22. "There is no doubt it's challenging," Gatland said after the Italy defeat. "As a group, the players are working incredibly hard. "It is frustrating from our point of view in terms of the accuracy and some of the discipline. But the boys spoke well in the changing room at the same time about keeping together and continuing to work hard. "When you are under pressure, some of your decision-making goes off-cue. You definitely feel the pressure as a team that hasn't won for a while. "We are frustrated as a group of players, there is no-one more disappointed than we are. They (Wales fans) are incredibly supportive of the players and want them to do well. "We are disappointed we could not give them something more to cheer about."