Matt Sherratt has conceded the timing of his departure from Cardiff Rugby is far from perfect, but says the opportunity to return to the international game was one he could not ignore.
The 47-year-old has been unveiled as Wales’ new attack coach, joining Steve Tandy’s backroom staff on a permanent, full-time basis just six days before Cardiff open their United Rugby Championship campaign against the Lions.
The delay in completing a move which could have been done weeks ago, poses serious questions about the WRU's handling of Cardiff, who they took ownership of last season.
Sherratt, who twice led Wales on an interim basis earlier this year — first in the Guinness Six Nations and then during the summer tour of Japan — replaces the temporary role with a long-term position as Tandy continues to build his new management team.
“The timing is not ideal, however, I am confident that the club is in good hands with some excellent coaches and staff behind the scenes,” said Sherratt.
“This was obviously a difficult decision to make as Cardiff is genuinely a club that means a huge amount to me and my family, and it’s also one that’s heading in the right direction.
“However, opportunities in the international game do not come around often and the chance to test myself at the highest level, while returning to a more hands-on role, is something I could not turn down.”
From Arms Park to Principality
Sherratt first joined Cardiff from Bristol in 2016 as backs and attack coach, helping the club to the European Challenge Cup title two years later alongside fellow Wales assistant Danny Wilson. Following spells at Ospreys and Worcester, he returned to the Arms Park in 2021 and was promoted to head coach in 2023.
His tenure was defined by stabilising the region in difficult financial conditions, guiding Cardiff to the URC play-offs in 2023–24 and re-establishing a style of play that connected with both the club’s history and its supporters.
“I am proud that we have been able to put the club back on solid foundations, have implemented a playing style that resonates with the history and city, and enjoyed so many memorable moments at the Arms Park,” Sherratt reflected.
Born in Gloucester, his coaching journey began with Gloucester and Cheltenham, before spending four years at Worcester Warriors’ academy. He then developed his reputation as an attack specialist with Bristol, Ospreys and Cardiff before returning for his second spell in the capital.
Wales calling
Sherratt already has experience within the Wales set-up, having worked as an assistant during the 2016 autumn internationals and the 2017 summer tour. His caretaker spells earlier this year included ending Wales’ record run of 18 consecutive defeats with victory in Japan.
Wales head coach Tandy, who took charge in September, has already added Danny Wilson to focus on line-out and contact work. He was quick to hail Sherratt’s arrival.
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“Matt did a great job to get that result in Japan on a short turnaround after a long season. He is an excellent coach. His philosophy and approach is a great fit our playing group,” said Tandy.
“It’s great to welcome Matt to the coaching team. He obviously has experience from leading the squad on an interim basis for five games earlier this year and did a great job to get that result in Japan on a short turnaround after a long season.
“Matt is an excellent coach. I think his philosophy and approach is a great fit our playing group and I’m excited for us to start working together.”
Cardiff moving forward
Sherratt’s exit leaves Cardiff without their head coach on the eve of the new season, but the region insist they are well-prepared for the transition. Assistants Corniel van Zyl (forwards), Gethin Jenkins (defence), Jonny Goodridge (skills) and Scott Andrews (scrum) will continue to lead the side while a review process begins to find his long-term successor.
Interim managing director Jamie Muir said: “The fact Matt has been approached by Wales is testament to the progress we have made as a club.
“We are confident with the staff that remain in place and are fully focused on kicking off the new season on Saturday night in positive fashion.”
Meanwhile, WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin believes Wales’ new-look management is well balanced.
“Matt is another great addition to the Wales coaching team. Between Steve, Matt and Danny we have the right balance of complementary sets of skills and I’m looking forward to seeing them working together to develop this exciting young group of players we have,” said Reddin.
READ MORE: Matt Sherratt Leaves With Warning To Wales Over Future Direction
A tough goodbye
For Sherratt, leaving Cardiff at this moment is bittersweet. His connection to the club is deep, but the lure of returning to the Test stage has proven decisive.
“This was obviously a difficult decision to make as Cardiff is genuinely a club that means a huge amount to me and my family, and it’s also one that’s heading in the right direction,” he admitted.
Still, with four autumn internationals looming — against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa — he knows there is little time to dwell.
“I’m excited to team up with Steve and Danny for Wales and am looking forward to getting started on preparations for the autumn,” he said.
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