WARREN GATLAND has discussed the heartbreaking death of his baby daughter and how it affected his coaching career.
Gatland and wife Trudi lost their first child, Shauna, at just four months old in 1992 after she was born with severe spina bifida – a condition that stops the spinal chord developing properly.
Gatland’s second spell in charge of Wales ended in February[/caption]
The New Zealander, 62, says he knew something was wrong when he spotted midwives in tears shortly after the birth.
He told The Dom Harvey Podcast: “We had a couple of scans and just did not know.
“She was born in Ireland, in Galway. We’d been going backwards and forwards to Ireland for a few years.
“When she was born in hospital, I didn’t realise but the midwife and nurses were crying, and all of a sudden everyone was running around and stuff.
“We got specialists involved. I can remember talking to one of the specialists a few days later and saying, you know, in terms of spina bifida, out of 10, how bad is she? He said probably a nine out of 10.”
Gatland was still playing and coaching when Shauna was born. And he was told of her death during a rugby trip in Australia.
Dealing with tragedy ended up having a major impact on his coaching career.
Gatland led Wales to three Six Nations titles and coached the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
He explained: “Any teams that I’ve been involved in, I’ve spoken about how lucky we are to be well-paid and get those opportunities, but the most important thing in your life is your family.
“If things are alright at home, if you’ve got support from your family, then as a coach you get a much better product on the field.”
Gatland and Trudi welcomed two more children – Gabby and Bryn – who are now grown up.
And the family light candles on Shauna’s birthday each year to honour her memory.
Gatland said: “I often talk to the kids about Shauna and tell them that they are probably here because of her.
“We wouldn’t have had Gabby quite as soon as we did after Shauna had passed away, and then obviously we had Bryn.”
