**Wales Rugby Names Fresh-Faced Backroom Team as Legends Return for Japan Tour**
Wales’ rugby setup is set for a significant overhaul ahead of this summer’s highly anticipated Test tour of Japan as interim head coach Matt Sherratt moves to assemble a dynamic and diverse coaching team. The move marks the dawn of a fresh chapter for the national side, which has been grappling with a worrying record of successive defeats on the international stage.
Sherratt, who took temporary charge of the Welsh squad for the closing fixtures of the Six Nations earlier this year, is expected to be formally confirmed as interim boss next week. With his appointment, a number of familiar and revered figures will take on key coaching responsibilities, all with the aim of reviving the national team’s fortunes.
One of the headline additions is Danny Wilson, currently the head coach at Harlequins. Wilson is no stranger to Welsh rugby, having previously steered the Wales U20s as well as Cardiff, and boasts spells coaching at both the Dragons and the Scarlets. His tactical acumen and extensive experience, especially with forwards, will be a significant asset for the tour.
Gethin Jenkins, another stalwart of Welsh rugby, is also joining the fold. Jenkins, who has been collaborating with Sherratt as defence coach at Cardiff, will reprise his former role in charge of Welsh defence—an assignment he previously held during Wayne Pivac’s tenure. His expertise is expected to lend much-needed stability and resilience to the team’s backline.
Adding to the list of distinguished contributors, Adam Jones—the revered former prop—will continue to offer his scrummaging know-how. Jones, currently on secondment from Harlequins, impressed with his work during the most recent Six Nations campaign and is set to extend his involvement.
Rhys Thomas, who coaches at Gloucester, is retained to oversee skills development, providing continuity amidst these substantial changes. In an intriguing twist, legendary full-back Leigh Halfpenny is being courted to take on the role of kicking coach. While Halfpenny is rumoured to be on the brink of signing with French outfit Béziers, it appears being part of the Welsh coaching team for the Japan tour would not conflict with his club commitments.
Should Halfpenny ultimately decline Sherratt’s proposition, Neil Jenkins—another iconic figure both in a playing and coaching capacity—could be asked to remain involved, ensuring that Wales’ kicking game remains in safe hands regardless.
This sweeping reorganisation signals the conclusion of much of Warren Gatland’s major coaching influence. Notably, neither Mike Forshaw nor Jonathan Humphreys will have their contracts renewed, marking a decisive shift away from previous regimes. The expectation from fans and pundits alike is that these changes will bring about a much-needed change in fortunes.
Wales’ backing of a relatively stable squad—missing just Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan to the British & Irish Lions—suggests that Sherratt will be able to lead a strong party to the Far East. Unlike some earlier tours that coincided with Lions call-ups, this trip provides an opportunity to field a team close to full strength against Eddie Jones’ Japan, raising hopes for a competitive series.
As Wales seeks to halt a dispiriting record of 17 consecutive Test losses, the revamped coaching cohort faces a challenging but invigorating mission. The selection of high-profile coaches and the pursuit of rugby greats for specialist roles reflects the urgency and ambition behind the WRU’s efforts to return the national side to winning ways.
With the official announcements imminent and the squad soon to gather for pre-tour preparations, the mood in Welsh rugby is one of cautious optimism. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether this blend of experience, innovation, and legendary rugby intellect can finally restore pride to the red jersey.