In a surprising move, Wales has appointed Matt Sherratt as its new head coach despite its history of favoring Welsh coaches. Sherratt, born in England, faces the challenge of turning around the national team's dismal form during the Six Nations Championship.
The prospect of an Englishman coaching Wales would typically be too much for many fans to bear, but these are challenging times for Welsh rugby. Currently enduring its worst losing streak in its 144-year history, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has made the seemingly inconceivable decision by appointing its first English head coach. Tony Gray, born in Stoke, previously led Wales between 1985 and 1988, but had twice represented the nation.
However, Matt Sherratt is viewed as the ideal motivational figure who, if nothing else, can revive spirits within the Wales camp for the remainder of the Six Nations.Born in Gloucester, just a drop kick away from Kingsholm, Sherratt grew up in a household fiercely divided on rugby days between his English father and his Tredegar-born mother. After honing his skills at Gloucester and Cheltenham, Sherratt spent four years at the Worcester Warriors academy before becoming an attack specialist for Bristol, Ospreys, and Cardiff. He was then given his first head coach role at the Arms Park just 20 months ago. With his teaching background, Sherratt has earned a reputation as a man-manager, motivator, and mentor for young players. Just last season, players like Cam Winnett, Mason Grady, Ellis Bevan, Alex Mann, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Evan Lloyd, Efan Daniel, and Mackenzie Martin all graduated under Sherratt at Cardiff to the national team.'He is very well spoken of, a real people-person and man-manager, and we felt, right now, that was a really important criteria and meant he could hit the ground running in the middle of the Six Nations,' explained WRU chief executive Abi Tierney. Sherratt stated he couldn't refuse the offer that came out of the blue on Monday night but has already ruled himself out of the job beyond the Six Nations, having recently signed a long-term deal with Cardiff. His initial task is to decide the future of his backroom staff, including Rob Howley, who ironically, handed him the Wales attack coach job between 2016 and 2017. Then he has roughly four training sessions with the beleaguered Wales squad to try and repair their damaged confidence enough to put up some sort of fight against the reigning Six Nations champions Ireland in Cardiff on 22 February. Looking a little stunned at Tuesday's WRU press conference and dressed in his Cardiff gear, he said: 'I've been in sport long enough to know it's pretty bumpy and you're never going to be offered an opportunity when things are going well. 'It feels like when I started at Cardiff, who were also at a low ebb, so I told Abi the first thing to start with is a mindset shift. 'It's going to be very difficult to change a huge amount technically and tactically in such a short period, but we've got to put some structures in place that everyone buys into and then have a really positive attitude. 'There are experienced players in that dressing room and if I go in there talking about trying our best and performance then you've lost the room immediately. They're international players for a reason and they want to win.'Bizarrely, it could be the experience of a 12-year-old boy that shapes how Wales play for the rest of this championship. Sherratt told a story of taking his sports-mad son to a Premier League match at Liverpool, a Hundred cricket game at Glamorgan, and then an unnamed rugby match in Wales. 'At the rugby match, he asked if we could leave at 55 minutes. It was a kick-fest. I actually thought, 'how sad is it that there is a 12-year-old who loves sport and wants to leave the game',' Sherratt recalled. 'I'm at the stage of my career when it's important to me that people want to enjoy watching a team play - but not at the expense of losing, that's really important.Ben Thomas struggled in the unfamiliar number 10 jersey under Warren GatlandHe knows it's more than just rugby, it's about people as well,' he said. 'At this point maybe that's what the squad needs - to relax, enjoy training and playing at international level, and then hopefully performances will get better.
WALES Rugby COACHING SIX NATIONS ENGLISH MATT SHERRATT
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Princess of Wales Makes Heartfelt Visit to Children's Hospice and Local Business in South WalesThe Princess of Wales, on her first 'away day' since 2023, visited Tŷ Hafan children's hospice in Wales, engaging with children and staff. She later visited Corgi, a local textile manufacturer, demonstrating her support for local businesses.
Read more »
Princess of Wales Charms South Wales with Children's Hospice Visit and Textile Factory TourThe Princess of Wales embarked on her first 'away day' of 2023, visiting a children's hospice and a local textiles manufacturer in South Wales.
Read more »
Princess of Wales Brings Joy to South Wales with Children's Hospice VisitThe Princess of Wales continued her gradual return to royal duties with a heartwarming visit to Tŷ Hafan, a children's hospice in South Wales, where she engaged with children, staff, and parents, showcasing her compassion and genuine connection with the community.
Read more »
Wales name new head coach for Six Nations after Warren Gatland’s exitCardiff have given Matt Sherratt permission to serve as interim boss
Read more »
FAW Offers £6m Deal to Lure Merthyr Town to Cymru PremierThe Football Association of Wales (FAW) has proposed a lucrative package to Merthyr Town, aiming to entice the club to leave the English non-league system and join the Cymru Premier by 2026. The offer, worth up to £6 million, includes significant financial incentives and infrastructure improvements. However, Merthyr Town's strong position in the English system and their unique status as the last remaining Welsh club in the English football pyramid present a challenge to the FAW's plans.
Read more »
Arsenal Appoints Renee Slegers as Permanent Women's Head CoachArsenal Women have confirmed Renee Slegers as their permanent head coach, following a successful interim period. Slegers, who previously served as assistant coach, led the team to impressive results, securing a place in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals. Her appointment marks a significant step for the club, as they aim to compete for trophies in the coming seasons.
Read more »