Wales have reportedly approached Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt to take over from Warren Gatland on an interim basis.
Wales’ disastrous opening two Six Nations defeats to France and Italy have left them on the verge of back-to-back winless campaigns, with matches against Ireland, Scotland, and England to come.
WalesOnline claim that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) wants Sherratt to succeed Gatland, with a formal announcement expected today (Tuesday) that the veteran coach will leave his position.
After 14 defeats in a row, the WRU have enquired to Cardiff whether they would be willing to part ways with Sherratt until the end of the Six Nations, which finishes on March 15 when England visit the Principality Stadium.
A search for Gatland’s long-term replacement is already underway, with the likes of Simon Easterby, Franco Smith and Michael Cheika all considered as options.
If Cardiff turn down the WRU’s approach, they could turn to Rob Howley, who has taken interim charge of the national team in the past and is the current attack coach.
Sherratt took charge of Cardiff in August 2023 after two influential stints as backs and attack coach, before spells at Ospreys and Worcester Warriors.
He was a Wales assistant coach in 2017, while Gatland was working with the British & Irish Lions, and today has been taking charge of Cardiff training at Arms Park before their United Rugby Championship trip to Connacht on Saturday.
Wales have a press conference scheduled for 1.30pm on Tuesday, which had been set before Gatland’s dismissal, with defence coach Mike Forshaw and a select number of players expected to speak in the absence of their head coach.
A 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome on Saturday proved to be Gatland’s last, having failed to address a dire run of form that has now stretched to 14 consecutive losses.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney and chairman Richard Collier-Keywood gave the veteran Kiwi the opportunity to turn the tide, with a review set for after the Six Nations.
But the current situation has proven unsalvagable, with Sherratt now tasked with getting points on the board in the final three matches, if Cardiff accept their approach.
Sherratt, however, is only being considered as an option for the remainder of the Six Nations as opposed to a long-term head coach.
