**Matt Sherratt Tipped to Lead Wales Rugby on Japan Tour as Coaching Uncertainty Persists**
Cardiff Rugby’s Matt Sherratt is poised to be confirmed as Wales’ interim head coach for the upcoming tour of Japan, according to high-level sources, yet the fate of the current Welsh coaching staff remains shrouded in uncertainty. With the national team’s first match against Japan less than two months away, a lack of communication from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has left incumbent assistants in the dark about their roles.
The formal announcement of Sherratt’s temporary elevation is anticipated within the week, reflecting expectations across Welsh rugby circles. Sherratt, who guided Wales through the closing stages of this year’s Six Nations after Warren Gatland’s abrupt departure, is seen as a logical choice to steady the ship on an interim basis, given his recent experience and existing rapport with senior players.
However, the wider coaching structure for the summer tour remains ambiguous. While Sherratt’s stewardship appears all but official, uncertainty reigns over the appointment of his backroom staff. Harlequins coach Danny Wilson, who previously shared coaching duties with Sherratt during their time at Cardiff, is reportedly being considered by the WRU as part of the touring party, as is Gloucester’s T. Rhys Thomas. Thomas was already integrated into Sherratt’s set-up for the latter stages of the Six Nations.
Adding further intrigue, Cardiff defence coach Gethin Jenkins, who previously held the same role for Wales under former boss Wayne Pivac, has also been linked to the forthcoming tour. Should Sherratt take charge for the full campaign, it seems likely his selection of assistants will favour those with whom he shares an established working relationship.
Despite mounting speculation, those currently comprising Wales’ coaching team – including Rob Howley, Jonathan Humphreys, defence specialist Mike Forshaw, and Neil Jenkins – have not received any communication about whether they will be involved this summer. Reports suggest that WRU management have not been in recent contact with the coaches, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and speculation amongst the staff.
The uncertainty is exacerbated by recent departures and contract issues within the coaching set-up. Attack coach Alex King left prior to the Six Nations, following a post-autumn review that led to a reshuffle under Gatland. King is believed to be out of contract after the end of this season, while Forshaw has previously revealed that his agreement would soon expire as well.
For those currently in post, the prolonged ambiguity is proving difficult. With definitive decisions on who will travel to Japan still pending, there are concerns that the WRU’s delay is causing disruption to pre-tour planning. Many believe that the governing body is biding its time until a permanent head coach is appointed before making any commitments to assistant roles.
At present, the search for Gatland’s long-term successor continues. While official statements suggest a double-digit shortlist, the name of Steve Tandy remains prominent among insiders as the most likely candidate. Nonetheless, there has yet to be any concrete indication that an appointment is imminent, further perpetuating the sense of limbo around the national team’s staffing.
The current state of flux at the heart of Welsh rugby comes at a time when stability is most needed. For fans and players alike, clarity over the coaching structure will be crucial as Wales prepare to take on Japan in a critical overseas series. In the meantime, all eyes remain on the WRU’s corridors of power, waiting for the first signs of resolution and a new chapter in Welsh rugby leadership.