**Wales Unveil Fresh-Looking Coaching Staff Ahead of Summer Tour to Japan**
Just moments before announcing the players set to represent Wales on their upcoming Japanese tour, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) set tongues wagging by unveiling a revamped coaching team. This move comes as Wales continues to search for a permanent head coach following Warren Gatland’s departure earlier this year during the Six Nations, after a period of difficult results on the international stage.
Stepping up once more is Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt, who has agreed to lead the national side on an interim basis for the summer fixtures. Sherratt, already familiar to many after assuming the reins for the final three Six Nations clashes, now takes on the challenge of steadying a squad currently mired in a losing streak stretching to 17 consecutive matches. With Wales having slipped to 12th in the world rankings—barely ahead of their next opponents, Japan—the sense of urgency is palpable.
The WRU’s announcement went beyond the head coach, revealing an assembled backroom staff drawn from experienced names within the game. Sharing duties with Sherratt will be Danny Wilson from Harlequins, who will oversee the forwards, and Gethin Jenkins, once the national side’s defence guru and now reprising that role from Cardiff. T. Rhys Thomas returns as forwards skills coach, and Adam Jones will work specifically on the scrum, building on his previous involvement.
At this point, Leigh Halfpenny—long considered one of Wales’ most reliable kickers—has yet to be confirmed as the team’s kicking coach. Nonetheless, expectations within the rugby community remain high that the seasoned full-back will formally join the group in a coaching capacity before the team sets off for Asia.
Much remains uncertain at the top, however, as the WRU continue their search for Gatland’s long-term successor. While Sherratt’s initial spell in charge saw Wales finish the Six Nations without a win, players and analysts alike lauded his attention to detail and technical improvements—contrasts that were notably absent in the latter days of Gatland’s regime. “We are very grateful to Matt for agreeing to pick up the reins again,” said Abi Tierney, CEO of the WRU, noting his galvanising effect in difficult circumstances. She highlighted the strategic approach of surrounding Sherratt with a blend of familiar and fresh expertise.
In assembling the coaching group, the WRU has also expressed appreciation to Cardiff, Harlequins, and Gloucester for releasing their key staff to foster Welsh rugby’s summer campaign. Current assistants Jonathan Humphreys, Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins, and Mike Forshaw, who have been mainstays across previous regimes, will not be travelling with the squad to Japan.
For Sherratt and his team, the short turnaround represents both a challenge and, potentially, an opportunity. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to return and coach Wales again this summer,” Sherratt commented as he prepared to name his squad for the July fixtures. “It’s an exciting prospect to go to Japan for two matches in July. We are all looking forward to getting into camp and starting preparations for our summer campaign.”
The fixtures themselves see Wales face the Brave Blossoms first in Kitakyushu on July 5, with a second Test following the next week in Kobe. With only two Welsh players selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, few major selection shocks are anticipated, although this may also open the door for fresh talent to emerge under Sherratt’s leadership.
As anticipation builds, the new coaching line-up is seen by many as a pragmatic step to stabilise the national team whilst the WRU finalises the appointment of a new permanent head coach. For Welsh rugby supporters, all eyes will now be on both the squad announcement and how this hastily assembled, yet highly regarded, coaching team will tackle the summer challenge in Japan.