Gethin Jenkins says the chance to work under Matt Sherratt again was the driving force behind his return to the Wales coaching set-up.
As the national team prepares for a two-Test series against Japan in July, Jenkins insists he has returned to the Test environment as a better coach than the one who left it two years ago..
The former Wales and British & Irish Lions prop, now serving as defence coach, has re-joined the international fold after a two-year absence and credits his Cardiff boss, Sherratt, for luring him back into the Test environment.
“Matt asked me in Cardiff when we were walking for a coffee between sessions,” Jenkins revealed.
“The people who were doing it was probably the main attraction, with Matt leading it. It’s hard to turn down that opportunity.”
Jenkins and Sherratt, who currently hold roles at Cardiff, will assume temporary duties with Wales before returning to the club game.
Sherratt took interim charge following Warren Gatland’s departure earlier this year.
Jenkins, 44, says stepping back into the Wales camp felt like a natural progression thanks to the growth he experienced under Sherratt’s guidance at club level.
“I’ve learned a lot going back to Cardiff under Matt and other coaches there,” Jenkins said.
“Working week-in, week-out, at a club or region gives you more of a grounding.
“Going straight into it at national level is quite tough. It was enjoyable because of the buzz of coaching your country, the pressure of international games. No bigger feeling.”
He added that he continues to evolve in his coaching journey, now seven years into his second career after a decorated playing stint that included 129 caps for Wales and five Tests with the Lions.
“I’m taking things on board all the time in how I progress myself as a coach.
“I’m seven years into my coaching career, which is still not a lot, so I like to think I’m learning all the time.”
Jenkins was part of Wayne Pivac’s coaching staff from 2020 to 2022 before being released when Gatland returned.
He admits he had to carefully consider rejoining the Wales setup, even temporarily.
“It was something I had to think about,” he said.
“Five or six weeks where you put everything into it that you can. Go back to Cardiff and then it’s business as usual.
“The only thing I’m giving up is my time off in the summer. I have had to change a few bits otherwise I would have been divorced!”
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He was officially brought back into the fold in time for the summer tour, joining a coaching group that includes fellow former internationals Adam Jones and Leigh Halfpenny, as well as Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson and assistant Rhys Thomas.
Now tasked with helping to end Wales’ record-breaking run of 17 consecutive Test defeats, Jenkins says the squad is highly motivated to reset the narrative.
“The message from the players is how much they want to win,” he said.
“You can't hide from the stats but they want to put an end to that.
“We’re focusing on can we get them better and turn that into a performance that gives us a chance of winning the game?”
He added that the early signs in camp have been encouraging.
“It’s been an enjoyable two-and-a-half weeks, the boys have worked hard.
“It’s a good challenge in such a short space of time putting together a game plan. The plan is to go out to Japan and get some victories.”
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