Cardiff lose Matt Sherratt just 5 days before URC start for Test role

Matt Sherratt has left Cardiff just days before the start of the United Rugby Championship season to join Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching staff.

Having previously led Wales this year on an interim basis, Sherratt will leave his post as head coach of Cardiff to become Wales’ attack coach.

Sherratt took over from Warren Gatland midway through this year’s Six Nations, and held onto the role for Wales’ tour of Japan, where they ended their 18-match losing streak. He had distanced himself from the head coach role of the national team, but has instead joined as an assistant coach, ending his two years in charge of Cardiff.

Cardiff get their URC season underway on Saturday against the Lions at Cardiff Arms Park, with a short-term plan to be announced imminently.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Cardiff Rugby

33 - 20

Full-time

Lions

All Stats and Data

“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,” Sherratt said after taking the job.

“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.

“I’m excited to team up with Steve and Danny for Wales and am looking forward to getting started on preparations for the autumn.”

Tandy added: “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.”