Matt Sherratt was visibly overcome with emotion in the coaching box as Wales finally brought an end to a gruelling sequence of defeats, sealing a 31-22 victory over Japan. The win, which puts a halt to 18 consecutive losses, marked a watershed moment for both the team and the head coach, who was seen wiping away tears at the final whistle.
For nearly two years, Welsh rugby has been embroiled in turmoil, with the national side unable to secure a Test victory for 644 days. The unprecedented run of defeats weighed heavily on the players, coaching staff, and fans alike. Although Sherratt was only at the helm for five of these matches, his team’s capitulation in last week’s loss to Japan had intensified scrutiny and speculation surrounding his tenure.
Emotions ran high as the clock signalled the end of play in Kobe. The tension was palpable in the coaches’ area, where Sherratt rested his arms on the desk, visibly struggling to contain his relief and disbelief. Speaking directly after the game, he credited the unity and perseverance of his team: “It’s emotional, there’s a reason why I’ve shed tears again. I’m immensely pleased for the squad,” he said, emphasising his gratitude towards the entire support staff and those who paved the way before him. He added, “Whoever comes in next will have a brilliant group to work with.”
Since stepping in after Warren Gatland’s abrupt departure in the midst of the Six Nations, Sherratt’s appointment has been seen by many as a baptism of fire. A brief upswing in performance saw Wales push Ireland close in Cardiff, but further heavy defeats to Scotland and England exposed ongoing issues within the side, leaving morale lower than ever.
The recent defeat to Japan in Kitakyushu was regarded as the nadir of Wales’ run, with many fans and pundits openly questioning the interim coach’s strategy and player selections. However, Saturday’s dogged performance in Kobe offered a rare glimpse of hope, with the team eventually holding off a Japanese resurgence to secure the much-needed win.
The significance of this victory should not be underestimated. While it relieves some of the pressure bearing down upon the Welsh Rugby Union, Wales remain ranked 12th in the world, highlighting the scale of the rebuild still required. Supporters will be eager to see whether this breakthrough result can mark the beginning of a sustained recovery for a side that was, at times, almost unrecognisable from previous Welsh teams.
Sherratt’s future with Welsh rugby remains uncertain. While he has earned praise from several quarters for steering the team through choppy waters, the WRU has yet to appoint a permanent successor to Gatland. Sherratt is expected to return to his role at Cardiff Rugby for the upcoming pre-season, though it remains to be seen whether he will continue to be involved when the national coaching team is restructured.
The journey ahead for Welsh rugby will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. Whether this hard-fought win serves as the turning point many hope for is yet to be determined, but for one night at least, Welsh fans and their head coach were granted the release of long-awaited victory – and the emotional images from the coaching box told the whole story.
In a sport renowned for its passion and intensity, Sherratt’s reaction captured the collective relief and renewed sense of belief that this may yet signal better times ahead for Welsh rugby. As the squad and management regroup, attention will turn to how they can build on this result and begin the long process of restoring Wales’ standing on the global rugby stage.
For the supporters who have kept faith, and for everyone connected to Welsh rugby, the hope now is that this heartfelt display of emotion marks not just the end of a torturous chapter, but the start of a brighter new era.