Matt Sherratt returns as interim coach as Wales confirm squad for Japan tour
Matt Sherratt will resume interim head coach duty for Wales ' two-Test Japan tour in July, with six uncapped players included in his squad.
Cardiff boss Sherratt took charge for Wales' final three Six Nations games this season after Warren Gatland left following defeat against Italy in Rome.
Wales ended their Six Nations campaign with a record 68-14 home loss to England and have suffered 17-successive Test defeats that started with a 2023 World Cup quarter-final reversal against Argentina.
Sherratt, though, will have a new team of assistant coaches alongside him for appointments with Japan in Kitakyushu on 5 July and Kobe seven days later.
Jonathan Humphreys and Mike Forshaw, who were part of Gatland's coaching staff throughout his second spell in charge, will not be involved this summer.
Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson and the Premiership club's scrum specialist Adam Jones will join Sherratt on the tour, in addition to Gloucester's TR Thomas and former Wales prop Gethin Jenkins.
Jones and Thomas worked alongside Sherratt during the Six Nations and - together with interim forwards coach Wilson - are on secondment from their Premiership clubs. Defence coach Jenkins, meanwhile, is on secondment from Cardiff.
Sherratt added: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to return and coach Wales again this summer. It is an exciting prospect to go to Japan for two matches in July.
"We are all looking forward to getting into camp and starting preparations for our summer campaign."
Hooker Dewi Lake has been appointed captain of the touring party after missing out on selection for the British and Irish Lions squad.
Fly half Sam Costelow, lock Ben Carter and prop Archie Griffin return after missing the Six Nations from injury, while young Scarlets back Macs Page is an eye-catching inclusion after an exciting United Rugby Championship season.
Hooker Liam Belcher, tighthead Chris Coleman, wing Keelan Giles, scrum half Reuben Morgan-Williams and loosehead Garyn Phillips will also hope to earn their first caps.
Dafydd Jenkins will undergo surgery while Henry Thomas also misses out as he seeks a specialist opinion on a long-term condition. Second rows Adam Beard and Will Rowlands have been given the summer off.
"I'm excited to get the players together in camp to begin preparations for our summer campaign,' Sherratt added. 'I think there's a good blend of experience and young talent selected and that this group has a lot of potential.
"Going to Japan this July is a challenge the coaches and I are relishing. We are expecting a fierce contest from Japan in these Test matches.
"Over the next few weeks in camp, it's about working hard, getting all our prep right on and off the pitch and gelling together as a group."
WALES SQUAD FOR JAPAN TEST SERIES
Forwards (19)
Keiron Assiratti
Liam Belcher
Ben Carter
Chris Coleman
Elliot Dee
Taulupe Faletau
Archie Griffin
Dewi Lake (capt.)
Josh Macleod
Alex Mann
Garyn Phillips
Taine Plumtree
James Ratti
Tommy Reffell
Nicky Smith
Gareth Thomas
Freddie Thomas
Aaron Wainwright
Teddy Williams
Backs (14)
Josh Adams
Sam Costelow
Dan Edwards
Keelan Giles
Kieran Hardy
Reuben Morgan-Williams
Blair Murray
Macs Page
Joe Roberts
Tom Rogers
Ben Thomas
Johnny Williams
Rhodri Williams
PA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
30 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Friday briefing: Lamine Yamal stars for Spain and ‘no crisis' for Sarina Wiegman
England boss Sarina Wiegman named her squad for Euro 2025 – insisting there was no 'crisis' in the Lionesses' camp. Russell Martin was announced as the new Rangers manager and Wales geared up for their next World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on Friday night, when Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will both play friendlies. An all-time classic in the Nations League semi-finals 🤯#NationsLeague — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025 Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal scored twice as holders Spain beat France 5-4 in an entertaining heavyweight clash in Stuttgart to book their place in the Nations League final against Portugal. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in the space of three minutes midway through the first half had put the European champions in control. Yamal, 17, slotted in a penalty soon after the restart, with Pedri then swiftly clipping home a fourth before Kylian Mbappe pulled a goal back for France from the spot in the 59th minute. After Lamal showed more fine close control to slide in a second goal, Lyon winger Rayan Cherki marked his debut off the bench when he crashed in a volley with 10 minutes left. A late own goal from Dani Vivian saw France claw back another before Randal Kolo Muani headed in during stoppage time. Spain, though, held out to make a third straight Nations League final, which will be played in Munich on Sunday. England boss Sarina Wiegman insisted there was no 'crisis' as she named a 23-strong squad for Euro 2025 following a tumultuous month for the Lionesses. It has been a far from settled few weeks as England prepared to defend their European crown, opening the campaign against France in Zurich on July 5. Both goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacker Fran Kirby had announced their retirement from international football, while defender Millie Bright pulled out of the tournament to prioritize her mental health, with Chelsea later confirming she had undergone minor knee surgery. Wiegman, though, dismissed the idea the Lionesses camp is unsettled. Chelsea striker Lauren James, recovering from a hamstring injury, has been included in the squad, alongside 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang. 'We're going with this 23 to the Euros and I'm comfortable, happy and excited. For me it doesn't feel like a crisis at all,' Wiegman said. 'There is always noise, so we expect noise before we go into a tournament. The difference is in my first tournament, the attention and visibility with the women's team has increased. 'We have to deal with it and move on and focus on football.' Wales boss Craig Bellamy says one of the world's worst football teams Liechtenstein have given him sleepless nights ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Liechtenstein – ranked 205th out of FIFA's 210 nations – have not won a competitive game since September 2020, and lost their opening two World Cup qualifiers in March. Bellamy, though, warned against any sense of complacency from his side in Cardiff on Friday night. 'We've prepared for Liechtenstein as we did for Turkey and everyone else – it doesn't matter who we play against,' the Wales boss said. 'I was up late last night. I didn't sleep well. Does that tell you something? I treat every team the same.' New Rangers head coach Russell Martin has told sceptics he is looking to prove them wrong. News of the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager's three-year deal at Ibrox has not gone down well with some supporters. However, former Scotland defender Martin, who had an unsuccessful loan period at Rangers in 2018, is ready to meet the challenges head on. 💙 — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 5, 2025 'My whole career has been based on proving people wrong, really. At every level I got questioned,' former Norwich captain Martin, 39, said. 'I got to the Premier League as a player, I wasn't convinced I could do it, but I managed to establish myself there for a little while, played international football, which I'm incredibly proud of. 'So it's the same again as a manager – I had to prove people wrong at every opportunity.' England boss Thomas Tuchel will hold a press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona. Wales later take on Liechtenstein in their Group J fixture in Cardiff, while Scotland play a friendly against Iceland as do the Republic of Ireland when they host Senegal. Ahead of all that on Friday morning, England under-21s coach Lee Carsley will name his squad for the upcoming European Championships in Slovakia.
Leader Live
42 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Friday briefing: Lamine Yamal stars for Spain and ‘no crisis' for Sarina Wiegman
England boss Sarina Wiegman named her squad for Euro 2025 – insisting there was no 'crisis' in the Lionesses' camp. Russell Martin was announced as the new Rangers manager and Wales geared up for their next World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on Friday night, when Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will both play friendlies. An all-time classic in the Nations League semi-finals 🤯#NationsLeague — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025 Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal scored twice as holders Spain beat France 5-4 in an entertaining heavyweight clash in Stuttgart to book their place in the Nations League final against Portugal. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in the space of three minutes midway through the first half had put the European champions in control. Yamal, 17, slotted in a penalty soon after the restart, with Pedri then swiftly clipping home a fourth before Kylian Mbappe pulled a goal back for France from the spot in the 59th minute. After Lamal showed more fine close control to slide in a second goal, Lyon winger Rayan Cherki marked his debut off the bench when he crashed in a volley with 10 minutes left. A late own goal from Dani Vivian saw France claw back another before Randal Kolo Muani headed in during stoppage time. Spain, though, held out to make a third straight Nations League final, which will be played in Munich on Sunday. England boss Sarina Wiegman insisted there was no 'crisis' as she named a 23-strong squad for Euro 2025 following a tumultuous month for the Lionesses. It has been a far from settled few weeks as England prepared to defend their European crown, opening the campaign against France in Zurich on July 5. Both goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacker Fran Kirby had announced their retirement from international football, while defender Millie Bright pulled out of the tournament to prioritize her mental health, with Chelsea later confirming she had undergone minor knee surgery. Wiegman, though, dismissed the idea the Lionesses camp is unsettled. Chelsea striker Lauren James, recovering from a hamstring injury, has been included in the squad, alongside 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang. 'We're going with this 23 to the Euros and I'm comfortable, happy and excited. For me it doesn't feel like a crisis at all,' Wiegman said. 'There is always noise, so we expect noise before we go into a tournament. The difference is in my first tournament, the attention and visibility with the women's team has increased. 'We have to deal with it and move on and focus on football.' Wales boss Craig Bellamy says one of the world's worst football teams Liechtenstein have given him sleepless nights ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Liechtenstein – ranked 205th out of FIFA's 210 nations – have not won a competitive game since September 2020, and lost their opening two World Cup qualifiers in March. Bellamy, though, warned against any sense of complacency from his side in Cardiff on Friday night. 'We've prepared for Liechtenstein as we did for Turkey and everyone else – it doesn't matter who we play against,' the Wales boss said. 'I was up late last night. I didn't sleep well. Does that tell you something? I treat every team the same.' New Rangers head coach Russell Martin has told sceptics he is looking to prove them wrong. News of the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager's three-year deal at Ibrox has not gone down well with some supporters. However, former Scotland defender Martin, who had an unsuccessful loan period at Rangers in 2018, is ready to meet the challenges head on. 💙 — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 5, 2025 'My whole career has been based on proving people wrong, really. At every level I got questioned,' former Norwich captain Martin, 39, said. 'I got to the Premier League as a player, I wasn't convinced I could do it, but I managed to establish myself there for a little while, played international football, which I'm incredibly proud of. 'So it's the same again as a manager – I had to prove people wrong at every opportunity.' England boss Thomas Tuchel will hold a press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona. Wales later take on Liechtenstein in their Group J fixture in Cardiff, while Scotland play a friendly against Iceland as do the Republic of Ireland when they host Senegal. Ahead of all that on Friday morning, England under-21s coach Lee Carsley will name his squad for the upcoming European Championships in Slovakia.
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
Friday briefing: Lamine Yamal stars for Spain and ‘no crisis' for Sarina Wiegman
England boss Sarina Wiegman named her squad for Euro 2025 – insisting there was no 'crisis' in the Lionesses' camp. Russell Martin was announced as the new Rangers manager and Wales geared up for their next World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on Friday night, when Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will both play friendlies. An all-time classic in the Nations League semi-finals 🤯#NationsLeague — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 5, 2025 Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal scored twice as holders Spain beat France 5-4 in an entertaining heavyweight clash in Stuttgart to book their place in the Nations League final against Portugal. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in the space of three minutes midway through the first half had put the European champions in control. Yamal, 17, slotted in a penalty soon after the restart, with Pedri then swiftly clipping home a fourth before Kylian Mbappe pulled a goal back for France from the spot in the 59th minute. After Lamal showed more fine close control to slide in a second goal, Lyon winger Rayan Cherki marked his debut off the bench when he crashed in a volley with 10 minutes left. A late own goal from Dani Vivian saw France claw back another before Randal Kolo Muani headed in during stoppage time. Spain, though, held out to make a third straight Nations League final, which will be played in Munich on Sunday. England boss Sarina Wiegman insisted there was no 'crisis' as she named a 23-strong squad for Euro 2025 following a tumultuous month for the Lionesses. It has been a far from settled few weeks as England prepared to defend their European crown, opening the campaign against France in Zurich on July 5. Both goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacker Fran Kirby had announced their retirement from international football, while defender Millie Bright pulled out of the tournament to prioritize her mental health, with Chelsea later confirming she had undergone minor knee surgery. Wiegman, though, dismissed the idea the Lionesses camp is unsettled. Chelsea striker Lauren James, recovering from a hamstring injury, has been included in the squad, alongside 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang. 'We're going with this 23 to the Euros and I'm comfortable, happy and excited. For me it doesn't feel like a crisis at all,' Wiegman said. 'There is always noise, so we expect noise before we go into a tournament. The difference is in my first tournament, the attention and visibility with the women's team has increased. 'We have to deal with it and move on and focus on football.' Wales boss Craig Bellamy says one of the world's worst football teams Liechtenstein have given him sleepless nights ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Liechtenstein – ranked 205th out of FIFA's 210 nations – have not won a competitive game since September 2020, and lost their opening two World Cup qualifiers in March. Bellamy, though, warned against any sense of complacency from his side in Cardiff on Friday night. 'We've prepared for Liechtenstein as we did for Turkey and everyone else – it doesn't matter who we play against,' the Wales boss said. 'I was up late last night. I didn't sleep well. Does that tell you something? I treat every team the same.' New Rangers head coach Russell Martin has told sceptics he is looking to prove them wrong. News of the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager's three-year deal at Ibrox has not gone down well with some supporters. However, former Scotland defender Martin, who had an unsuccessful loan period at Rangers in 2018, is ready to meet the challenges head on. 💙 — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 5, 2025 'My whole career has been based on proving people wrong, really. At every level I got questioned,' former Norwich captain Martin, 39, said. 'I got to the Premier League as a player, I wasn't convinced I could do it, but I managed to establish myself there for a little while, played international football, which I'm incredibly proud of. 'So it's the same again as a manager – I had to prove people wrong at every opportunity.' England boss Thomas Tuchel will hold a press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona. Wales later take on Liechtenstein in their Group J fixture in Cardiff, while Scotland play a friendly against Iceland as do the Republic of Ireland when they host Senegal. Ahead of all that on Friday morning, England under-21s coach Lee Carsley will name his squad for the upcoming European Championships in Slovakia.
