Cardiff's Matt Sherratt joins Wales backroom staff as backs coach
Tuesday 20 September 2016 17:09, UK
Cardiff attack and backs coach Matt Sherratt will be part of the Wales backroom staff during their autumn international series.
Sherratt will become Wales' backs coach under Rob Howley who, with Warren Gatland already preparing for the Lions tour of New Zealand, has taken over as head coach for the second time.
The 40-year-old will combine his Wales work with his role at the Blues, a club he only joined from Bristol ahead of the 2016-17 season.
Wales start their Under Armour Series against Australia at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on November 5.
Sherratt said: It's a huge privilege to have the opportunity to join the Wales coaching team and to work alongside the management and the squad for the forthcoming campaign.
"It is an opportunity I am very excited about and I'm really looking forward to getting involved this autumn.
"I'd hugely like to thank that management at the Blues for allowing me this opportunity. They have been very supportive of the role and I believe the experience will benefit me as a coach and in turn benefit the Blues."
Howley first took on the interim role as Wales coach when Gatland was picked as Lions coach for their 2013 tour of Australia and, after a series of defeats, led them to the Six Nations title with four successive wins, including the memorable 30-3 win over England in Cardiff.
He added: "I'm delighted to bring Matt on board to the coaching team. We have a very experienced international coaching team and I believe Matt will compliment what we have in place really well.
"He is young in age but an experienced coach and has earned the respect of players and coaches wherever he has been and he will be a big asset to us. I know he a highly regarded coach here in Wales and England and will add to our coaching environment.
"It is great that we are able to bring a Regional coach on board for this period and I would like to thank Cardiff Blues and Danny Wilson for their support and for allowing Matt to work with us.
"He will still have commitments with the Blues during his time with us but it is a great opportunity for him to experience an international environment and add his input."
