**Tuesday evening brought with it a flurry of significant rugby developments, both on and off the pitch, with coaching shake-ups, injury blows, and steadfast leadership making headlines across the United Kingdom and beyond. The latest updates are sure to intrigue rugby fans with plenty unfolding ahead of a crucial summer of international rugby.**
**Sherratt Responds to Speculation Over Wales Job Return**
Cardiff Rugby’s head coach, Matt Sherratt, took the opportunity today to clarify his position amidst widespread speculation linking him with a potential return as Wales’ head coach. Sherratt, who previously stepped in as interim coach during the Six Nations following Warren Gatland’s mid-tournament departure, has found himself linked with the vacant role again—particularly on a short-term basis for Wales’ upcoming summer tour of Japan.
Speaking candidly on ‘The Rugby Pod,’ Sherratt insisted he has had no formal contact with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) regarding the position. “Genuinely, I’ve not spoken to anyone about it, and I wouldn’t say that if I had. I would probably just straight-bat it,” Sherratt remarked, adding context about Cardiff’s turbulent period, which has included a fixture pile-up and the club entering administration.
Amid ongoing speculation that current Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson could also take up a role for the Japanese tour, Steve Tandy remains tipped as the frontrunner for the permanent post. However, Sherratt’s comments have seemingly cooled talk of a swift return. “I’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks and see which direction they want to go in,” he said.
**No Desire for Full-Time National Role**
Sherratt was also quick to shut down any idea of taking on the permanent Wales job, citing both his relative inexperience as a head coach and his preference for the hands-on aspects of coaching. “It’s only my second year as a head coach, and to be honest, I never really wanted to be a head coach. I did it at Cardiff because it was a good fit at the time,” he explained. Sherratt noted his enjoyment of day-to-day coaching, while also referencing how the head role had “wrecked” simple pleasures like a quiet Sunday at the pub, thanks to the pressure and demands of the post.
**Lion’s Hopeful Suffers Untimely Setback**
The British and Irish Lions tour suffered its own dose of bad news, with Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn facing up to “several weeks” on the sidelines due to a knee injury. Kinghorn, who has dazzled in France’s Top 14 for Toulouse, was widely expected to be a starting contender for Andy Farrell’s squad heading for Australia this summer. Scan results revealed a sprained medial ligament sustained against Castres, with French outlet RMC Sport projecting a four to six-week recovery period.
While the injury is not set to rule Kinghorn out of Lions contention entirely, it will sharply limit his pre-tour preparation. The initial warm-up against Argentina in Dublin kicks off on 20 June, leaving little time for the full-back to regain his best form. Kinghorn is also ruled out for Toulouse’s Champions Cup semi-final and will almost certainly miss the final should his club get through.
**Coaching Carousel: Ex-Lion Flutey Joins New Zealand Women’s Team**
Elsewhere in the coaching realm, former England and British & Irish Lions centre Riki Flutey has embarked on a new chapter, joining the New Zealand Women’s national team—the Black Ferns—as their new backs and skill coach. The 45-year-old, who was born in New Zealand but played for England and the Lions, expressed his excitement at the appointment. “It’s truly an honour to be in this environment with the Black Ferns,” Flutey shared, highlighting his pride at giving back to a squad which inspired his daughter to take up rugby.
**England Coach Secures His Post—Regardless of World Cup Results**
Stability continues to be the watchword for England Women, as the Rugby Football Union confirmed John Mitchell’s position as head coach is secure through to June 2026, regardless of the team’s performance in this year’s home World Cup. England, fresh off a dominant Six Nations run, are among the favourites, but RFU director of performance rugby Conor O’Shea stressed the importance of security for both players and staff: “There will be no thought for anything until we get through the World Cup and Six Nations. It is very unhealthy to be insecure going into the World Cup—and that’s the only focus we have.”
**Clarity in uncertain times is evidently a priority for leading unions, who hope a strong summer showing can build further on recent successes.**
As the international rugby calendar continues to serve up drama and talking points, supporters will be watching closely to see how these stories unfold—both for the key individuals involved and the fortunes of their teams. With so much at stake, the coming weeks promise yet more intrigue, selection dilemmas, and opportunities for new faces to shine.