Wales’ new interim head coach, Matt Sherratt, is set to take the reins from Warren Gatland for the final three games of the Six Nations tournament. Often referred to as ‘Jockey’ in the rugby world, Sherratt’s nickname has puzzled many, with speculation even on a BBC podcast about the origin of the moniker. However, Sherratt has now revealed the story behind the nickname, explaining that it stemmed from his height – standing at 5ft 6inches, he inherited the nickname from his father.
With Wales facing a tough period of 14 successive Test match defeats and Ireland gunning for a third consecutive Six Nations title, Sherratt faces a daunting task. Despite making significant changes to the team lineup ahead of the match against Ireland, Sherratt acknowledges that he can’t work miracles in just three training sessions. Instead, he aims to instill a ‘mindset shift’ within the squad to improve their performance and confidence on the field.
Having garnered praise from players and coaches for his attacking coaching style and ability to build strong relationships within the team, Sherratt’s career path saw him transition from being a primary school teacher to a rugby coach. Starting as a development coach with the RFU, Sherratt worked his way up through various coaching roles in clubs like Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears before finding success with Cardiff Rugby.
During his time at Cardiff, Sherratt had his first involvement with the Wales national team, acting as an assistant coach on their 2017 summer tour. He later moved to the Ospreys before returning to Cardiff as the head coach. Taking over the director of rugby role in 2023, Sherratt has since made significant strides with the team’s performance in the URC.
Renowned for his attacking coaching prowess and ability to navigate challenging situations, Sherratt’s journey from a school teacher to a respected rugby coach exemplifies his dedication and passion for the sport. As he prepares to lead Wales through the remainder of the Six Nations, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see the impact he can make in revitalising the team’s performance. With his proven track record and innovative approach to coaching, Sherratt is poised to bring a fresh perspective to Welsh rugby and inspire a new era of success for the national team.