The Cardiff coach will once again take charge of Wales on an interim basis
Matt Sherratt will take charge of Wales in Japan this summer(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt will take charge of Wales’ summer’s tour in Japan as he name his squad today.
The WRU have also confirmed his backroom staff for the tour, with Danny Wilson, Gethin Jenkins, T. Rhys Thomas and Adam Jones all involved. Wales take on the Brave Blossoms in Kitakyushu on July 5 in the first Test, before facing them in Kobe the following week.
However, they are still without a permanent head coach after Warren Gatland left midway through this year’s Six Nations after a dismal run of 14 straight Test defeats.
Sherratt, who has been in charge at the Arms Park for the last two seasons, took over from Gatland on an interim basis for the final three matches of the tournament.
Wales still ended the tournament winless, with their losing stretch in international rugby now up to 17 games. That has seen them fall to 12th in the world – just one place ahead of Japan.
He now announces his squad for the tour today and you can follow that live here.
Sherratt was widely expected to take charge of Wales again, as the WRU continue to search for a permanent head coach.
Known as Jockey, the former Ospreys and Worcester coach proved popular with players in the Six Nations.
Sources note how he brought considerable detail to Wales’ game – something that was understood to have been absent in the final throes of Gatland’s second stint. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Ultimately, in the Six Nations, Sherratt was brought in at short notice – but this summer will see the coach able to select his own staff and playing squad.
Harlequins boss Wilson will look after the forwards, while former Wales defence coach Jenkins – who now looks after that area of the game with Sherratt at Cardiff – will also be involved.
Thomas, brought in by Sherratt during the Six Nations on secondment from Gloucester, will again work as a forwards skills coach, while Jones will be looking after the scrum.
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has yet to be confirmed as part of the coaching team as a kicking coach, but is still expected to be involved.
Current assistants Jonathan Humphreys, Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins and Mike Forshaw won’t be involved in Japan.
“We are very grateful to Matt for agreeing to pick up the reins again with the Wales senior men’s side, on an interim basis for the Japan tour,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.
“The impact and positive difference he made to the squad in a very short period of time during the Six Nations was welcomed. It was a tough campaign but we know we are in safe hands whilst we complete the final stages of our recruitment process for a new permanent head coach.
“Thanks also to both Adam Jones and TR Thomas who will reprise their roles in Matt’s backroom team and to Gethin Jenkins and Danny Wilson who have also answered our call to help build the right team around him for this tour.”
Sherratt added: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to return and coach Wales again this summer. It’s an exciting prospect to go to Japan for two matches in July.
“Thank you to Cardiff for permitting Gethin and I to take up this opportunity. Thank you also to Harlequins and Gloucester for allowing Danny, Adam and TR to join the coaching team for these two fixtures.
“We are all looking forward to getting into camp and starting preparations for our summer campaign.”
As for Sherratt’s first Wales squad, it’ll soon become apparent who is involved – with the announcement being made around midday.
However, with just two Welsh players called up for the Lions’ tour of Australia, there’s unlikely to be many surprises.