Cardiff coach departs ahead of season-opener against Lions
NEWS: Cardiff has confirmed that coach Matt Sherratt has departed the team with immediate effect.
He will join the Wales national team as an attack coach.
The news of his departure comes just days ahead of their United Rugby Championship season-opener against the travelling Lions on Saturday.
Sherratt returned to the Arms Park for a second stint as backs and attack coach in 2021 and spent the past two seasons as head coach.
However, having led Wales as interim coach in five fixtures in the past year, he now joins Steve Tandy’s back-room staff on a full-time basis.
Cardiff’s remaining coach staff, Corniel van Zyl (forwards), Gethin Jenkins (defence), Jonny Goodridge (skills) and Scott Andrews (scrum), will continue to lead the Blue & Blacks, as they have previously in Sherratt’s absence.
The team have swiftly begun a review process, with a short-term plan to be confirmed imminently while steps are taken to implement a longer-term plan.
“This was obviously a difficult decision to make as Cardiff is genuinely a team that means a huge amount to me and my family, and it’s also one that’s heading in the right direction,” Sherratt said.
“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 am enormously grateful to everyone at the team, from players and coaches to the staff, supporters and sponsors, for making my time at the Arms Park so enjoyable.
“I am proud that we have been able to put the team back on solid foundations, have implemented a playing style that resonates with the history and city, and have enjoyed so many memorable moments at the Arms Park.
“The timing is not ideal; however, I am confident that the team is in good hands with some excellent coaches and staff behind the scenes.
“I wish everyone at Cardiff the very best for the season ahead and look forward to seeing you all at the Arms Park soon.”
Jamie Muir, Cardiff Rugby interim Managing Director, said: “Everyone at Cardiff would like to thank Matt for his contributions at the Arms Park and we all wish him and his family the very best for the future.
“The fact that he has been approached by Wales is testament to the progress we have made as a team with him at the helm as head coach.
“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.”
Tandy said: “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 are a great fit for our playing group, and I’m excited for us to start working together.”
Speaking about his Wales appointment, Sherratt added: “This was obviously a difficult decision to make as Cardiff is genuinely a team 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.
“I’m excited to team up with Steve and Danny for Wales and am looking forward to getting started on preparations for the autumn.”
* Picture credit: @Cardiff_Rugby
