Gatland speaks for the first time about the death of his daughter: how the tragedy affected his career.

According to The Sun: Warren Gatland spoke about a carefully hidden tragedy that significantly impacted his coaching career - the death of his daughter.

Gatland and his wife Trudi lost their first child, Shauna, when she was only four months old. The girl was born with a serious spinal defect - spina bifida.

Warren, who is now 62 years old, admits that he immediately felt anxious when he saw the nurses crying after the baby was born.

He spoke on The Dom Harvey podcast:

“We had several ultrasounds but didn't know what was happening. She was born in Ireland, in Galway, where we often visited.”

“When she came into the world in the hospital, I didn't realize that something was wrong, but the nurse and doctors were crying, and suddenly everyone started to panic.”

“We involved specialists. I remember a few days later talking to one of them and asking how serious her condition was - he said it was probably a nine out of ten.”

Gatland continued his career and coaching when Shauna was born, and learned of her death while fishing in Australia.

This tragedy had a significant impact on his views on coaching.

Gatland, who led Wales to three titles in the Six Nations and coached the British and Irish Lions for three tours, explained:

“I always say how lucky we are to have such opportunities, but the most important thing in life is your family.”

“If everything is fine at home, if you have support from your family, then as a coach, you will be able to achieve much better results on the field.”

Gatland and Trudi later became parents of two more children - Gabi and Breen, who have now grown up.

Every year on Shauna's birthday, the family lights candles in her memory.

Gatland also shares:

“I often talk to the children about Shauna and explain to them that perhaps it is because of her that they are here.”

“If what happened hadn't occurred, we wouldn't have had Gabi so soon after Shauna's death, and then, of course, Breen came along.”

The life of Warren Gatland is a vivid example of how real hardships can change not only our perceptions about career matters but also our values in personal life. He learned to cherish every moment with family, and even in the darkest times, to find ways for a new beginning. His experience can serve as an example to many, as family is ultimately what always comes first.