The Cardiff head coach will take up a role in new Wales coach Steve Tandy’s management ahead of the autumn campaign
09:30, 22 Sep 2025Updated 09:32, 22 Sep 2025
Matt Sherratt has left Cardiff for Wales(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Matt Sherratt has left his role as Cardiff coach just days before the start of the season to take up the job of Wales attack coach.
While Sherratt’s move into the Wales coaching staff has been widely expected for some time, the announcement comes just days before the start of Cardiff‘s season – with their United Rugby Championship campaign kicking off on Saturday evening. Cardiff’s remaining coach staff, Corniel van Zyl (forwards), Gethin Jenkins (defence) Jonny Goodridge (skills) and Scott Andrews (scrum), will now lead the club in the interim, as they have previously in Sherratt’s absence.
Cardiff have now begun a review process, with a short-term plan to be confirmed imminently, while steps are taken to implement a longer-term plan.
Sherratt said: “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.
“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 club 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 club back on solid foundations, have implemented a playing style that resonates with the history and city, and enjoyed so many memorable moments at the Arms Park.
“The timing is not ideal, however I am confident that the club 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 club with him at the helm as head coach.
“We are confident with the staff that remain in place and are fully focussed on kicking off the new season on Saturday night in positive fashion.”
Sherratt has already worked extensively with Wales this year, taking charge of five Test matches on an interim basis following the departure of Warren Gatland midway through the Six Nations.
After overseeing the final three games of that tournament, Sherratt led Wales to Japan in the summer.
That tour saw Wales finally end their 18-Test losing streak, beating the Brave Blossoms in the second Test in Kobe for their first win in 644 days.
Sherratt will now take up a full-time position in new Wales head coach Steve Tandy’s coaching ticket, reuniting with former Cardiff coach Danny Wilson – who was also involved in the summer.
Wilson had been the first of Tandy’s appointments – leaving his role as Harlequins head coach earlier this month to look after the line-out and contact areas with Wales. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“It’s great to welcome Matt to the coaching team,” said Tandy. “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.”
Cardiff’s players were told of Sherratt’s departure on Monday morning as they prepare to start their URC season at the Arms Park against the Lions this Saturday.
Sherratt took over the Blue and Blacks in 2023, following the departure of Dai Young.
His first pre-season with the club saw Cardiff start training after the 2023 World Cup with just eight players amid financial issues in Welsh rugby.
However, his youthful side won plaudits for their performances that season – picking up 14 bonus points across the campaign.
Last season saw the side narrowly miss out on a play-off place on the final weekend of the campaign.
Long before his first permanent head coaching job with Cardiff, Sherratt had worked as a primary school teacher before becoming a development officer for the Rugby Football Union.
He spent time working with Worcester Warriors’ academy before taking on attack coach roles at Bristol, Cardiff and Ospreys.
As well as his work with Wales this year, Sherratt also spent time coaching with Wales in 2016 and 2017.