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Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Matt Sherratt Q&A: My toughest call and the player I'm so excited to work with
Matt Sherratt Q&A: My toughest call and the player I'm so excited to work with Wales' stand-in coach has named his 33-man squad for Japan as they look to end their 17-Test wait for a victory Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt named his squad to tour Japan this summer on Tuesday, with six uncapped players making the 33-man group. Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher, Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman, Ospreys loosehead Garyn Phillips, Ospreys scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams, Scarlets back Macs Page and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles are all named, with Dewi Lake leading the side. Here's everything Sherratt - who was confirmed as interim coach just before the squad announcement - had to say about his selection... With the lack of British & Irish Lions call-ups, was continuity the most important thing? "It was about continuity. Being a Lions year, with two players away and a couple of other experienced players unavailable. It was important to get some experience in the squad. "Probably big picture-wise, if I'm honest, the development angle should be left to the next guy coming in, in terms of some younger boys he wants to look at. It's a short tour. It's trying to get players who have played a lot for their regions with their experience that was important to this one." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below On the back of 17 losses, this tour can't be just about development? "I agree. Probably a big part of doing it when I was asked a couple of weeks ago was laying a foundation for the next guy coming in. I don't think it's our job as coaches to look at the big picture. We'll be in camp for six or seven weeks. "It's just about getting some familiarity there, and with the world rankings and Japan being one place behind, it's about going there and trying to get a result. That's part of laying a foundation for the next guy as well. I would love for the next guy to look at the team and think there's something to build on and not have that losing record around their neck." What was the decision-making behind the six uncapped players? "I think they fall into different brackets. The likes of Reuben and the two props, their club form has dictated they deserve a go. The likes of Liam Belcher and Keelan Giles, they've been consistent regional players for the last six or seven years so they deserve it for those reasons. "I wanted to pick players who had been playing regularly, starting for their reasons and had earned a cap. And then, in a couple of positions, just some younger boys who may have an exciting future." What about the absentees? "Dafydd Jenkins has got an injury. He's having elective surgery in the summer. Adam Beard has got a move coming and he's got a young family. It's a mix of players injured or unavailable through family circumstances. "Max Llewellyn is injured. Jarrod Evans is in the same boat. Mason Grady hasn't played since the autumn. It's letting them boys have a break and a good pre-season so they're ready to go next year." What was the thinking behind your new coaching team? "Firstly, going back to Abi's statement, there's obviously a big change happening at the moment with the system. The WRU were pretty clear they wanted to take an interim staff. As soon as they said that, I think it was important, with the limited time, that we'd worked together before. "I've worked with Danny at Cardiff, I work with Gethin now. Gethin and TR have worked together. Adam Jones has played with them. It's a familiar staff. Having staff harmony rubs off on the players. It's important I had people I know and trust." What does that mean for the current coaches (Mike Forshaw, Jonathan Humphreys, Neil Jenkins and Rob Howley)? "I think that's for the next coach to make that decision, as well as the top of the WRU. That wasn't something I was comfortable with getting involved in." Did you consider not taking the role, given the uncertainty currently facing Welsh rugby? "I'll be honest with you, I got on the plane to come home from South Africa and one of the staff said about a press release. I've been in this job long enough, I just concentrate about the rugby. "I'll let other people who are way above my paygrade worry about the future of the regions and the national game. I love coaching. I loved the Six Nations and I really enjoy working with the people coming on this tour. That's my motivation." Given what it going on off the field, how much of this tour will be about managing players through that situation? "Unfortunately, I've seen it a couple of times with other clubs. It's probably bigger news outside of an environment than it is inside. As soon as you come into a camp, especially an international camp, you are a bit cocooned. "The players are so busy focusing on playing and training that all the big picture stuff seems to go away. I'm sure in the background, after the tour, that may be an issue. But there was certainly not any rumblings for the day or so in South Africa when it broke." What's the reason behind Gareth Anscombe's absence? "It was more around Dan Edwards, he was obviously involved in the Six Nations. It's time to look forward with Dan. Sam Costelow was injured during the Six Nations. The squad is slightly smaller for this trip. So it's getting Sam up to speed. Ben Thomas can cover 10 as well." What about Ellis Mee? "Ellis is not injured. We've decided to go with Josh, Tom Rogers and Keelan Giles. That was probably one of the hardest decisions. I spoke to Dwayne Peel this morning around some of the rationale around it. I think Ellis is going to be a well-capped international. I just feel we need experience, particularly in the backline. "I know Keelan isn't capped, but he's came on a tour nine years ago with me to Samoa. He's been in good form and is a regular starter in the URC. I feel his time is right. That was one of the toughest calls. Ellis has a big future." And Morgan Morse? "On the Morgan Morse one, I actually think he's going to be a hell of a player. He's got power, he's quick and he's got a point of difference. In normal circumstances, he may be a player that comes on the plane. I just feel he's really an out-and-out No. 8. And wih Toby Faletau and Aaron Wainwright coming, is it time really, with the position Wales are in, to be gambling with that? I'm sure in six months time, Morgan Morse will have an experience. But, at the moment, Faletau and Wainwright have 150 caps between them and we need that experience." How do you cope with losing leaders in Jac Morgan and Dafydd Jenkins? "We thought about that when we selected. Dewi and Gareth have captained the Ospreys, Liam's captained Cardiff, Ben Carter has captained the Dragons, Josh Macleod captains the Scarlets. Around the squad, they're not all experienced at international level, but they've got a voice and they've got an ear of the group. "It's a pretty even spread from the regions. Between the squad, there's enough experience there. That was genuinely a big reason in terms of the selection, trying to get some experienced lads on the tour." Given this will be less chaotic than the Six Nations, do you view this as a chance to build up properly and have a real crack in Japan? "I just think it's a really good opportunity to lay a foundation. It's important to me that our basics are better in Japan. The reality is that all the coaches are all still coaching or have just finished. We haven't had a huge amount of time to look at Japan yet, as day-to-day coaching takes up so much of your time. "I think getting the basics right, we'll have a good two-and-a-half weeks in camp. There'll be some new voices in camp, particularly Gethin and Danny. Allowing them to get their stuff across will be important. When I look at the squad and staff, I'm genuinely excited to spend some time with them." With the search for the head coach ongoing, is the squad and gameplan for this summer all down to you? "Yeah, it'll be my decision and the coaching staff. We'll meet up as a staff in the next couple of weeks. It'll just be preparing for two Tests. I think the big picture needs to be looked at by someone coming in on a long-term contract, not someone coming short-term. This will be about laying a foundation and trying to win a Test match in Japan. The guy coming in next can build on that." Is there more expectation on you now compared to the Six Nations, where you were parachuted in? "I'll just do my best. I think having a bit more time and knowing the coaches will help. Speaking to the players, there's a real desire to go to Japan and prove a point. We'll do our best to go there, lay a foundation and hopefully take that losing record away as well." Do you sense there's a desire amongst the players to end that losing record? "I don't know. Probably my thoughts are I wouldn't focus on it with the players. It's got to feel fresh. They've got to enjoy coming into camp and how we're trying to play. If we do those things, we'll have a chance of winning a game. It's not going to be a talking point." What can Macs Page offer? "He's got a point of difference, hasn't he? I will credit the regional coaches as well. There's been a real collaboration with this. It's been hard to select as I've been trying my hardest to get Cardiff into the play-offs. Danny and Adam are still coaching Harlequins and TR is coaching Gloucester. "When you're coaching, all your focus is on your team. I've spoken to Mark Jones, Dwayne Peel and Filo a couple of times. They've been brilliant and given me some real good advice in terms of their players. I've seen Macs first-hand. But Dwayne Peel was really excited by him. He covers that 13/wing slot so I'm really excited to work with him." Any there likely to be any more coaches added to your team? "At the moment, there's no one confirmed so not at present." Did you look at bringing in any regional coaches to your team? Article continues below "I did, to be honest. I thought it was important I spoke to the WRU about having some other regional coaches involved. Unfortunately, they were not all able to do it for various reasons. "They've been involved, not directly, with selection. They've been more than helpful to me. I phoned them all this morning to give them a heads up, so the boys that weren't picked, they can manage and I can give them a hand with that. I will say they've been really good with helping out."
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh region to be cut in bombshell development
Welsh region to be cut in bombshell development Welsh rugby is set for seismic change after the WRU informed the four professional teams it intends to go down to three Dewi Lake of Ospreys, Liam Belcher of Cardiff, Aneurin Owen of Dragons and Blair Murray of Scarlets at a recent Judgement Day photo call. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) The Welsh Rugby Union has decided to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales to three, WalesOnline has learnt. We understand the WRU board has agreed that reducing the number of professional clubs is the best way forward, with the process set to begin this summer. As part of the WRU's One Wales strategy the initial plan was to retain four clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - under a new Professional Rugby Agreement which was meant to lead to increased funding and a refinancing of the debt acquired during Covid. WRU CEO Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood have always maintained their desire to retain four clubs but things have changed dramatically. Primarily, the WRU's decision to take ownership of Cardiff Rugby following the capital city club entering administration has altered the landscape significantly. While the Dragons have signed the new PRA, both the Ospreys and Scarlets refused to do so over fears the WRU would turn Cardiff into a super club. The WRU and the two west Wales clubs have been locked in negotiations for the past couple of weeks but have not been able to get a deal over the line. Article continues below WalesOnline has been told the WRU have activated the two-year notice on the old PRA because it is desperate to refinance its debt. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. NatWest view the old PRA as too much of a risk to refinance the debt because any increase in the WRU's profit has to go to the four professional clubs, whereas it doesn't on the new deal. The WRU is looking to take on around £35m of new debt which would refinance its existing NatWest and Welsh Government facilities of £30m. There is Welsh Government debt of £12.5m which was passed through to the clubs via the WRU. But despite saying there was enough money in the new PRA to fund four strong professional sides, it appears the view is that is no longer be the case. It has been apparent for quite some time that Wales does not have the finances nor the sufficient volume of high-end professional players to service four clubs. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. All four professional clubs have struggled to compete with the better sides in the United Rugby Championship and Europe, while the Dragons finished bottom of the table having won just one league game all season. The WRU has decided enough is enough and want to create a structure which is financially viable and allows the game in Wales to not only survive but thrive. Cutting to three professional clubs could be seen as an ambitious move to concentrate talent and resources which should in theory improve standards across the board. Despite a two-year notice getting served, the likelihood is a change will happen sooner than that. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free One option would be to put the licences out to tender after setting some strict criteria based on things like stadium, facilities, investors and players produced for Wales, among other things. The second option would be for two clubs to merge voluntarily or for another to fall on its sword. Article continues below One thing which is certain is that seismic change is coming to Welsh rugby, not seen since the inception of regional rugby in 2003.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Faletau starts for Cardiff in URC play-off bid
United Rugby Championship: Stormers v CardiffVenue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town Date: Friday, 16 May Kick off: 18:00 BSTCoverage: Scrum V Live BBC Two Wales and iPlayer; also watch and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app. Highlights on the BBC Sport website and app. Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau returns to Cardiff's starting side against Stormers in Cape Town as the Welsh side aim to seal a United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off 34, impressed after coming off the replacements bench in the 45-21 defeat against Bulls in is one of five Cardiff changes with lock Teddy Williams, prop Danny Southworth and half-backs Aled Davies and Callum Sheedy starting. Alun Lawrence switches from number eight to Josh McNally captains the side in the absence of injured hooker Liam Africa fly-half Manie Libbok returns from injury for Stormers, with fellow Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu primed to come on from the replacements bench. Cardiff are just outside the top eight - ninth by virtue of wins and points difference - but know a win in Cape Town would definitely extend their Matt Sherratt's side will be aware that two losing bonus points might still get them over the line, the coach only has victory on his mind."We feel it's a must-win game in terms of getting in that top eight," said Sherratt."It's going to be a tough ask but we spoke to the players around not trying to creep in, let's win a game and get in there rather than hope other teams didn't get what they needed."We spoke about what we were going to need to guarantee the playoffs and we actually called it a fight for 50 points."At the start of the year we were saying if we were in the final round and had a game to get in the play-offs, we would snatch your hand-off."Cardiff have suffered a difficult season off the field after going into temporary administration in April before being taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)."It'd be brilliant if Cardiff reach the play-offs," said Sherratt."I don't think they have ever been there before and for the club with the history and the potential, we should be getting into the top eight."I'm proud of the staff and the players this year after our budget actually decreased this year from last year."So to get the improvements we have, where we've doubled the amount of games we've won, got the most bonus point tries we've scored and turned tight losses into wins, it would be the icing on the cake to push into the top eight." Cardiff's only victory in their last five away league matches was against Ospreys on Judgement Day at Principality side have won just one of their past four matches in South Africa and that was against Sharks 12 months have played Stormers on three previous occasions, with all matches going in favour of the home are fifth in the URC table and have already confirmed their play-off place, although they cannot gain a home tie by finishing in the top South African side have lost just one of their last six league games and have suffered only one home defeat this season. Stormers: Damian Willemse; Suleiman Hartzenberg, Wandisile Simelane, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas; Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies; Sti Sithole, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat (capt), JD Schickerling, Dave Ewers, Louw Nel, Marcel Scarra Ntubeni, Vernon Matongo, Sazi Sandi, Connor Evans, Paul de Villiers, Paul de Wet, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ben Cameron Winnett; Josh Adams, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Gabriel Hamer-Webb; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Danny Southworth, Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally (capt), Teddy Williams, Alun Lawrence, Alex Mann, Taulupe Dafydd Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Litterick, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Johan Mulder, Rory Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs & Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)TMO: Andrea Piardi (FIR).
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cardiff top Judgement Day cast as future explored
Four teams, two derbies, one venue and a trophy presentation for a Welsh Day is over for another year as Welsh rugby's showpiece took over Easter Saturday at the Principality were the headline act as they overcame off-the-field financial issues to beat Ospreys and enhance their United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off also allowed captain Liam Belcher to lift the Welsh Shield as Cardiff became the leading side this season among Wales' four professional were the main support act, with a later victory against Dragons to maintain their own hopes of a top eight finish. Will there be another Judgement Day? This was Judgement Day's 10th edition of the derby double-header concept involving all four regions on the same day at the same 28,328 crowd was the lowest attendance of the nine Principality Stadium occasions, although it was 8,000 more than turned when the event was switched to Cardiff City Stadium in comparison, more than 40,000 tickets have already been sold for when Bath and Bristol arrive in Cardiff next month for an historic English league game at the home of Welsh 68,000 fans turned up to Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium in held on Easter Saturday, the timing of the late scheduling in the season and general apathy towards Welsh rugby have been floated as reasons to explain the loss of 40,000 supporters in nine the question turns to whether this format should continue in the Welsh calendar with indifference existing towards the event inside Wales and no interest from head coach Mark Jones hopes it remains, if crowds of old can be coaxed back."The concept is the right one where you have a day where everyone comes together and celebrates Welsh rugby with the talent we have and way we can perform," said Jones."We need to work out how we get 60,000 in there like we used to, that's the challenge."The selfish side of me says open it up, make tickets £1, fill the place out and get them in love with rugby."But I know electric is not free and you have to pay people to staff it and make money, so I get it."Jones says struggling Welsh rugby needs showpiece occasions."At some point we have to get people back in love with Welsh rugby, get them in the stadiums and cheering on the teams," said Jones."We have got to create heroes out of players. We should definitely try and keep it going and here at the Principality Stadium."Everybody is aligned around the fact it needs to be a big spectacle from a visual point of view also."Scarlets captain Josh Macleod echoed Jones' sentiments."It is always a special occasion," said Macleod."This was the first time in a while we have had three sides battling it out for a top eight place and play-offs. "It is vital for Welsh rugby to have a spectacle like this with four sides going against each other in back-to-back games."We need to get fans through the door. This is one way we can do it." Cardiff did not 'down tools' Cardiff took a significant step towards securing an end-of-season play-off spot after defeating wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb claimed a hat-trick against a jaded Ospreys side who were left counting the cost of a European Challenge Cup defeat to Lyon the previous Sherratt's side overcame adversity in the first game since Cardiff were temporarily placed into administration before being swiftly taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).So what would making the play-offs mean?"It would be massive," said head coach Sherratt."When I took the job, I was thinking within three years I would love to get us into a play-off or a knock-out game."We are in the fight. There's been a backdrop of a lot of negativity and twists and turns over the last two years."Sherratt praised how his players had dealt with the most recent turmoil."It would have been so easy for them in the last two weeks to down tools," said Sherratt."What I said to the players before the game is they are the club and outwardly people will judge Cardiff by watching them on the field."If they can show the heart and ambition they have shown over the last two years that's what 90% of people will judge Cardiff on, not the stuff off the pitch."It's important for the players to realise they are the perception of the club and credit to them they have done themselves proud."Cardiff face a massive game against play-off rivals Munster at the Arms Park next Friday before two matches in South Africa to finish the regular season."Our fans have got history in terms of when the club needs them, they usually come out so let's hope we can get the Arms Park rocking on Friday night," said Sherratt."It is always a special place to play and we will definitely use that in the week to build the players up."It will be a big occasion for many reasons. Not only the league table, but there's going to be personal reasons because it will be some people's final home game together." Scarlets still in the hunt Scarlets were far from convincing but what they required was the bonus-point win - and eventually it was job done against Dragons. Dwayne Peel's side overcame a major scare to secure a 31-23 victory to keep alive their play-off Thomas, Alec Hepburn, Vaea Fifita and Blair Murray scored Scarlets' tries with Ioan Lloyd converting all four and kicking a penalty."I would have taken the five points before the game," said Peel."It was tough and I am pleased with the character we showed. It was all on the line for us and we now move into the next couple of weeks. We are in the hunt."Scarlets have risen to ninth, two points off the top eight and they welcome runaway league leaders Leinster to Llanelli next Saturday evening."It's a massive challenge and we want to test ourselves against the best," said Peel."It will be an awesome occasion and why we play the game." Same old sorry story for Dragons It was the same old story for Dragons as they suffered a 14th successive league defeat and remain rooted to the bottom of the URC table, 18 points adrift of tries for Jared Rosser and another score from fellow wing Ashton Hewitt helped Dragons lead 20-7 and 23-21, before Scarlets ensured the Gwent side left the Principality Stadium yellow cards and a couple of crucial errors cost Dragons their second win of the season."We gave ourselves an opportunity to win the game but we've got to be more clinical around some of the basics," said head coach Filo Tiatia."We've got to be at our best every time and it's fine margins."It's about when we have momentum, how do we keep the foot on the throttle and don't let it off."We've got to be better with another opportunity to prepare next week."That will be a trip to Swansea to face Ospreys, who Dragons defeated on the opening weekend of the season in distant memory of eight months ago remains their only league success during this campaign. Penalties galore It was not only players gaining referee Ben Connor was a busy man in only his second league game when he took charge of Cardiff and 21, issued five yellow cards with Cardiff trio Teddy Williams, Alex Mann and Harri Millard and Ospreys duo Morgan Morse and Keiran Williams sent to the sin-bin. There was also the little matter of 31 combined penalties also conceded by both lock James Ratti put excessive transgressions down to the local derby element."Games go like that sometimes, especially in a derby," said Ratti."Both sides were competing for everything around the breakdown and set-piece."Nobody goes out to concede penalties but it is part and parcel of rugby."
