**Matt Sherratt Reflects on Wales Squad Selection and Hopes for Japan Tour**
Wales’ interim head coach, Matt Sherratt, has unveiled his 33-man squad for the upcoming summer tour of Japan, marking a pivotal moment as the national team looks to halt their run of 17 consecutive Test defeats. With the announcement, Sherratt finds himself at the helm during a transitional period for Welsh rugby, juggling both immediate results and team stability.
Six uncapped talents have been introduced to the group, including hooker Liam Belcher (Cardiff), tighthead Chris Coleman (Dragons), loosehead Garyn Phillips (Ospreys), scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), utility back Macs Page (Scarlets), and wing Keelan Giles (Ospreys). Dewi Lake will captain the side as Wales seek to reignite their fortunes in a year complicated by British & Irish Lions commitments and the absence of several senior internationals.
Addressing his priorities for the squad, Sherratt emphasised the importance of continuity amid so many call-ups to the Lions and other unavailable experienced figures. “Given the Lions year and unavailable senior players, it was vital to retain experience within the squad,” he explained. While player development is always on the radar, Sherratt stressed that with such a short tour, the focus needed to be on established performers who have already made an impact at regional level.
The pressure to deliver immediate results also influenced his selections. With Wales yet to win a Test in their last 17 attempts, Sherratt recognised that this tour could not be solely about blooding new talent. “My job now is to lay a platform the next head coach can build upon, rather than focusing on the team’s long-term overhaul,” he said, highlighting a drive to inject some much-needed positivity into the squad before passing the baton to his successor.
On the inclusion of the six uncapped players, Sherratt clarified that his choices were a blend of form-based decisions and recognition for those who had been consistent regional performers. “Players like Reuben and the props earned their spots on merit, while Belcher and Giles have shown loyalty and high standards at club level,” he said. Meanwhile, some younger selections are intended to add energy and promise for the future, without risking the side’s competitive edge.
An array of absentees, from injuries to family matters, shaped the squad’s composition. Notable omissions include Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Max Llewellyn and Jarrod Evans, with Sherratt stressing the importance of managing both player welfare and long-term availability. For some players, such as Mason Grady, a period of rest and rehabilitation is expected to pay dividends when they return for the next campaign.
Regarding his newly assembled coaching team, Sherratt underlined the value of familiarity and trust, given the limited preparation time. Several staff members have mentoring relationships or direct experience working together, which Sherratt believes will foster harmony in camp. The interim nature of the appointments, dictated by WRU’s ongoing review, means continuity and cohesion behind the scenes are paramount.
Asked about the exclusion of seasoned back Gareth Anscombe, Sherratt revealed it was a forward-thinking decision. “We felt it was time to give Dan Edwards a chance, with Sam Costelow also returning from injury. Ben Thomas provides further cover at fly-half.” The stiffest decision, however, involved omitting Ellis Mee. Sherratt admitted this was especially tough, but leaned on the importance of backline experience, noting Giles’ remarkable journey since he first went on tour as a teenager.
Sherratt also offered insight into the prospects of young forward Morgan Morse, describing him as a player of significant potential. However, with seasoned campaigners Taulupe Faletau and Aaron Wainwright available, Sherratt felt now was not the time to gamble on uncapped youth in crucial positions, though he expressed confidence that Morse’s opportunity will soon arise.
Leadership within the playing group is another theme, as losing captains Jac Morgan and Dafydd Jenkins necessitated a careful selection of players with a record of captaining their regions. Sherratt has drawn on the collective experience stretching across all four professional Welsh sides, building what he considers an even and robust core group.
Despite all the challenges, Sherratt is characteristically pragmatic. He eschews talk of the losing streak with his players, preferring to focus on bringing energy and enjoyment back into the squad. It’s clear he sees the Japan tour as more than a stopgap—it is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a competitive, united Welsh team, ready for a brighter era under the next head coach.