Matt Sherratt has officially taken up the role of interim head coach for the Wales rugby team, succeeding Warren Gatland as the beleaguered squad navigates the remainder of the Six Nations tournament amid dismal performances. With Wales grappling with a troubling streak of 14 consecutive losses, Sherratt's appointment arrives at a pivotal moment as fans and players alike search for renewed hope and vigor on the pitch.
Gatland, whose tenure came crashing down after the Dragons lost two opening matches of the tournament—including a scoreless defeat against France—left the position he held for two stints over 12 years. Following his departure, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) named Cardiff Rugby's Sherratt as his interim replacement until the end of the campaign. The first test of Sherratt's coaching will come against Ireland, who are favorites to win the Grand Slam this season.
Recovering from such heavy losses is no small task, particularly when starting fresh with eight lineup changes, as Sherratt prepares for his first Six Nations match on February 22. Ireland will be arriving at the Principality Stadium without their captain, Caelan Doris, but they remain a force with significant depth, presenting Sherratt with his first true challenge at the helm. Enthusiastic fans are hoping for more than just improvement; they want to see as Sherratt’s influence breathes new life back onto the pitch.
Known colloquially as “Jockey,” Sherratt is familiar to those within the Welsh rugby community, and his nickname has garnered curiosity outside of it. "I know I look pretty big on the screen but I'm not the tallest. I'm 5ft 6in," Sherratt explained, humorously reflecting on his stature and the nickname’s origins, tied to his father's previous use of the moniker. He acknowledged, "I need to think of a bigger story for why it’s Jockey. That one really works at parties!"
Sherratt's background is one of varied experience—he began as a primary school teacher before venturing deep within the world of rugby. With roots at Worcester, Bristol Bears, Ospreys, and Cardiff, he has cultivated relationships with many players across different squads. His most recent stint at Cardiff involved ascending to the director of rugby position following Dai Young's departure, significantly contributing to his coaching career.
One of his staunch supporters is Ellis Jenkins, past captain of the Welsh side, who remarked, "Jockey is easily the best attack coach I’ve ever worked with. His passion for the game and studious approach is obvious to anyone who collaborates with him." With Jenkins and others well-versed about Sherratt’s capabilities, their words hold weight as excitement builds around what the new interim coach may bring.
To tackle the lack of confidence exacerbated by their losing streak, Sherratt aims for more than just lineup changes. He emphasized the need for what he termed as a “mindset shift” within the team. This endeavor will likely require intense effort and maybe it won’t materialize overnight; but fans simply want to see improvement and spirited performances, translating to hope for the future.
Sherratt will have his hands full handling the pressures associated with the Six Nations. The urgency arises from the team's current struggles and the mission to uplift Welsh rugby. His interim stint covers just three matches: Ireland at home, Scotland away, and England at home on March 15, each game promising to be pivotal for his prospects and the overall morale among players.
Although the DRU is on the hunt for long-term leadership, Sherratt has made clear this role is merely temporary. Nevertheless, he will look to etch his influence on the side and may build something worthwhile over the weeks. The Six Nations is more than just wins; it’s about restoring faith within a team often celebrated for its rich heritage and largely known for their resilience.
The task at hand presents opportunities for growth and development, not just for Sherratt but for the entire Welsh setup. Amid the chaotic backdrop of failures over recent matches lies the chance for renewal, where fans are eager to see the birth of new hope. Wales has long been synonymous with rugby excellence; one can only wonder if Sherratt can help set the dragons back on course.