Cardiff Rugby are thrilled to confirm the appointment of Matt Sherratt as the club’s new head coach.
The 47-year-old has enjoyed two influential stints as backs and attack coach at the club and now steps up to take charge of all first-team matters.
Sherratt was a key figure at the club between 2016 and 2018 and helped deliver success in the European Challenge Cup. Following stints at Ospreys and Worcester Warriors, he returned to the Welsh capital in 2021.
During that time he has been influential in the teams qualification for European Champions Cup and in developing young talent at Cardiff Arms Park, something that will be key in the season ahead with the well-documented reduced budgets in Welsh professional rugby.
Sherratt said: “First of all it is a huge honour to be given this opportunity at such a world- renowned and historic club and City. This club has done a huge amount for myself and my family and I feel it is time to stand up and repay the club by helping it rebuild through difficult times in rugby.
“It is a club I feel emotionally attached to, I have been part of the coaching staff in two different regimes and have also gained valuable experience in other environments whether with the Ospreys, in the English Premiership with Bristol and Worcester and on the international stage with Wales.
“I feel like I have the respect and the support of the players and staff and it is vitally important that we stick together and move forward as a group.
“It is no secret that it will be a challenging season with the financial constraints in Welsh rugby but we still have world class players, seasoned Internationals and young hungry home grown players who are desperate to wear the jersey.
“One of the big positives at Cardiff is the pathway and it is important we fully utilise that and build from within. Across sport you continually see big teams go through challenging periods and there is absolutely no doubt about the stature of the club so it is a real privilege.
“Another positive is the support we have. The Arms Park is a special place and I know when we show fight and play the style of rugby we are capable of us that support will get right behind us.”
Work has already begun to complete Sherratt’s coaching staff, with Richie Rees already on the books, and to bolster the playing squad with new signings.
The squad return from a two-week break on August 14, for the final extended block of pre-season preparations.
Alun Jones added:
“We are really pleased to appoint Matt as our new head coach and are confident he is the right man for the job and will rise to the challenge.
“Everyone has been very impressed with the impact he has had at the club, during both stints he has been involved, whether it has been the style of play he has employed within the backs, the talent developed or his passion for the club and its history.
“He is not only an excellent coach but a good man. We have made no secret of the fact that next season will be challenging but we believe Matt is the right person to get the best out of the squad, to develop talent from within and rebuild for the future.