SHERRATT SWITCH SEALED BY OSPREYS
THE Ospreys have succeeded in luring long-time target Matt Sherratt to the Liberty Stadium as backs coach, writes Mark Orders.
Gruff Rees announced in December his intention to leave the region at the end of the season, ending a 13-year association.
The Ospreys had been on Sherratt’s trail for a while, but only now are they able to confirm that they have landed their man. He will step in as Rees’ direct replacement, starting his new job at the start of next season.
The 41-year-old has previously banked experience during spells at Worcester Warriors and Bristol before joining Cardiff Blues ahead of 2016-17. Under his direction, the Blues backs have acquired a cutting edge.
Sherratt also figured on the senior Wales team last season, his stint covering the summer tour matches with Samoa and Tonga, when several senior coaches were away with the Lions.
That trip away with enabled the Englishman, who answers to the nickname ‘Jockey,’ to work closely with Sam Davies and Keelan Giles, along with Aled Davies and Scott Williams, both of whom will play for the Ospreys next season.
He is relishing the chance to try his luck further west, saying: “The opportunity to join the Ospreys was really appealing and I’m looking forward to a new challenge at such a fantastic region.
“There’s a great deal of potential in the squad, with a good combination of experience and youth and some new faces coming in to improve and add competition.
“The prospect of working with these players and a great staff is one I’m really excited about.
“I was really sold on the ambition of the region and with hard work and a fresh outlook I feel I can help realise that ambition. In the meantime, my focus is firmly with the Cardiff Blues and finishing this season strongly.”
The Ospreys have still to decide who they want to replace Steve Tandy as head coach but are pleased to have nailed down Rees’s successor, with managing director Andrew Millward saying:
“When Gruff confirmed his intention to move on for a new challenge, we were looking at adding someone to the coaching team who could bring a fresh outlook to our approach and Matt fits the bill.
“He is someone with an impressive reputation as an innovative thinker and a good tactical and technical appreciation of the game who will bring something different to our environment.
“He has lots of ideas about how he can help develop our attacking game, using the experience he has gained in both the club and international scene.”
Ospreys v Kings: Page 41