Matt Sherratt, head coach of Cardiff Rugby, has been appointed interim head coach for the Welsh national team and will succeed Warren Gatland for the remainder of the Six Nations.
He takes over a side reeling from a 14th consecutive defeat and a loss to Italy that leaves Wales facing a second tournament wooden spoon in a row.
Sherratt previously worked as an assistant coach in the Wales set-up in 2017 and is currently the head coach at Cardiff. At a WRU press conference, still in his Cardiff training gear, Sherrat said he “could never turn down the opportunity [to coach] a great rugby nation”.
But he made clear he would not be putting himself forward for the job full-time, having previously signed a long-term contract with Cardiff, his first job as head coach.
Announcing the new appointment, Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney said “Matt takes over at a pivotal time. It is a credit to him that he has not hesitated to answer Wales’s call.”
“Matt will return to Cardiff Rugby after the Six Nations in order to concentrate his efforts on what is already a promising campaign for our capital club. Our intention is to have a permanent appointment in place before this summer’s two-Test tour to Japan, with all options open.”
News of Sherratt’s appointment came at the same time it was confirmed that 61 year-old Warren Gatland, Wales’ most successful rugby head coach, would leave in the middle of the Six Nations.
In his first words since his departure, Gatland said he “had reached the end of this particular chapter.”
“We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change.”
“I remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me. I wish whoever takes over all the best for the future.”
In their original statement, WRU said that it was Gatland who approached them to discuss the team’s future. Sherratt will be the first English head coach in the team’s history, and he will take charge of a team at arguably their lowest ebb.
Irish head coach Simon Easterby, 49, and Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith, 52, were both tipped as potential Gatland replacements earlier in the day.
Speaking to CJS News, veteran sports journalist Peter Jackson said that “too many Welsh supporters are now conditioned to expect heavy defeat.”
“It’s very concerning the level of apathy that has surrounded results. Under Gatland you couldn’t see any green shoots of recovery from recent results, his job was untenable even before the championships began.”
“But it also means that things can only get better, and that’s a great plus for Matt [Sherratt]. Even if he hasn’t produced outstanding results at Cardiff, he plays a pleasing brand of rugby.”
Sherratt has outlined his plans to improve the team’s overall mindset rather than making major tactical or technical changes. He was also realistic about the team’s chances in the coming games.
“I’ve been in the game 20 years, I’ve worked with players like Toby Faletau and Jac Morgan who want to win.”
“So I want the players to be brave and have a really positive attitude, but I can’t stop our opposition being further down the line than us.”
His first test will come on Saturday 22nd February in Wales’ next match at home against Ireland.