Matt Sherratt is determined to lay a foundation for the new Wales head coach when he takes his 33-man squad to Japan for this summer’s two-match series.
“It’s a short tour. Two Tests,” explained Sherratt “So trying to get players who’ve played a lot for their regions with some experiences was pretty important for this one.
“I just think it’s a really good opportunity to lay a foundation. I think the big picture needs to be looked at by someone who’s coming in on a long-term contract, this will be about laying a foundation, trying to get to Japan and win a Test match and then the guy who comes in next can build on the future.”
The Cardiff Rugby head coach will continue as interim Wales coach for the two games. Joining him in the coaching team are fellow Cardiff coach Gethin Jenkins who will take responsibility for defence and Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson who will be interim forwards coach.
Two other coaches who worked with Sherratt during the Guinness Six Nations campaign are also on his coaching ticket in Japan. Adam Jones returns as scrum consultant and Gloucester’s TR Rhys Thomas will be assistant forwards coach.
“The WRU were pretty clear they wanted to take an interim staff to Japan. As soon as they said that, I felt it was important, with the limited time, that we’d worked together before,” added Sherratt.
“I’ve worked with Danny at Cardiff, I work with Gethin there now. Gethin and TR have worked together, and Adam Jones played with them – it’s a familiar staff. Having staff harmony rubs off on the players”
“It’s just about getting some familiarity. With the world rankings as they are, and Japan being only one place behind us, it’s about going there and trying to get a result.
“That’s part of laying a foundation for the next guy as well. I would love whoever comes in next to look at the team and think there’s something to build on – and not to have that losing record around their neck.”
There are six uncapped players in the squad – scrum-half Reuben Morgan Williams, wing Keelan Giles and loose-head prop Garyn Phillips from the Ospreys, tight-head prop Chris Coleman from the Dragons, hooker Liam Belcher from Cardiff and Scarlets back Macs Page.
🗣 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 🏴
Hear from head coach Matt Sherratt as he spoke to the media following today’s squad announcement 👇#WelshRugy pic.twitter.com/d7W8dIRg29
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) May 20, 2025
“Reuben and the two props. I think their club form dictated that they deserve a go,” commented Sherratt. “Then the likes of Liam Belcher and say, Keelan Giles, who have been consistent regional players for the last six or seven years, deserve it.
“I’ve seen Macs first-hand. But Dwayne Peel was really excited by him. He covers that 13/wing slot so I’m really excited to work with him.”
Players will assemble in Wales camp on a staggered basis from next week depending on when their club season ends, before the squad flies out to Japan at the end of June.
“It’s important to me that our basics are better in Japan,” said Sherratt “We’ll have a good two-and-a-half weeks in camp. There’ll be some new voices in camp, particularly Gethin and Danny, and allowing them to get their stuff across will be important.
“When I look at the squad and staff, I’m genuinely excited to spend some time with them. I’ll just do my best and I think having a bit more time and knowing the coaches will help.
“Speaking to the players, there’s a real desire to go to Japan and prove a point. We’ll do our best to go there, lay a foundation and hopefully take that losing record away as well.
“I wouldn’t focus on the record with the players because the tour has got to feel fresh. They’ve got to enjoy coming into camp and how we’re trying to play.”