Cardiff are set to promote Matt Sherratt to head coach after parting ways with director of rugby Dai Young.
It is not a done deal yet but sources close to the club have told WalesOnline talks are at an advanced stage and this is the likeliest scenario. WalesOnline understands former Wales attack coach Rob Howley was a serious contender for the job but it looks as if Cardiff will go for continuity by promoting Sherratt to the top job.
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Young had been suspended since late April after the club received allegations of bullying, but despite getting cleared by an independent barrister, the former Wales prop decided to step down. This has paved the way for respected attack coach Sherratt to make the step up.
Sherratt is one of the most highly-rated coaches in Welsh rugby and is hugely popular with the playing group at the Arms Park, with man management a strength of his. This is Sherratt’s second stint with Cardiff after returning to the Arms Park following coaching spells at both the Ospreys and Worcester Warriors respectively.
He also briefly coached Wales’ backs during the autumn of 2016 to assist Howley while Warren Gatland took a year out to prepare for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. Sherratt’s advantage is he knows the current squad inside out while, crucially, he is also well aware of what works and what doesn’t having been involved during the period leading up to Young’s suspension.
Should he get the job, the challenge will be whether he can adapt to becoming head coach. Former Wales defence coach Gethin Jenkins is another name in consideration but Sherratt’s man management qualities may get him the nod.
Cardiff will need to revamp their entire coaching team with defence coach Richard Hodges having joined Zebre, and forwards guru T Rhys Thomas signing for Gloucester, leaving Sherratt and skills coach Richie Rees as the last two men standing.
Wales take on England in their opening game of the Rugby Summer Series. Fans can watch the game free by signing up to an Amazon Prime subscription here.
