SHERRATT LINKS UP WITH WALES

Wales Head Coach Rob Howley has announced that Cardiff Blues attack and backs coach Matt Sherratt will link up with the National Squad in a shared role with the region during the forthcoming Under Armour Series.

Sherratt will take on the role of Backs coach with Wales, combining the role with his current position at Cardiff Blues and will join the Wales coaching team when they begin their preparations for the autumn internationals which kick off against Australia at Principality Stadium on November 5.

The highly rated 40-year-old joined Cardiff Blues from Bristol Rugby ahead of the 2016/17 season.  He arrived at Bristol in 2011 from Worcester Warriors and worked alongside Cardiff Blues Head Coach Danny Wilson at the English side before linking up again with Wilson in Cardiff this season.  In five years at Bristol, the side won the regular season on four occasions and won promotion to the Premiership earlier this year.

Howley said: “I’m delighted to bring Matt on board to the coaching team.  We have a very experienced international coaching team and I believe Matt will compliment what we have in place really well.

“He is young in age but an experienced coach and has earned the respect of players and coaches wherever he has been and he will be a big assest to us. I know he a highly regarded coach here in Wales and England and will add to our coaching environment. 

“It is great that we are able to bring a Regional coach on board for this period and I would like to thank Cardiff Blues and Danny Wilson for their support and for allowing Matt to work with us.  He will still have commitments with the Blues during his time with us but it is a great opportunity for him to experience an international environment and add his input.”

Sherratt said: It’s a huge privilege to have the opportunity to join the Wales coaching team and to work alongside the management and the squad for the forthcoming campaign.  It is an opportunity I am very excited about and I’m really looking forward to getting involved this autumn.
“I’d hugely like to thank that management at the Blues for allowing me this opportunity.  They have been very supportive of the role and I believe the experience will benefit me as a coach and in turn benefit the Blues.”

Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: “This is a great opportunity for Matt to experience an international environment and develop further as a coach.

“He’s already had a significant impact here at Cardiff Blues and this involvement with Wales during the Under Armour Series will undoubtedly benefit both Matt and ourselves in the long run.
“Matt will continue his commitments with Cardiff Blues while also working with the Welsh Rugby Union during the period.”