Matt Sherratt to join Ospreys as backline coach

Editor

Ospreys have announced that Matt Sherratt will replace Gruff Rees as backline coach from the start of the 2018/19 PRO14 campaign.

Rees announced in December that he will leave the Ospreys at the end of the current season after a 13-year association with the region.

A highly rated young coach, 41-year old Sherratt already has a wealth of experience from spells at Worcester Warriors and Bristol, before joining Cardiff Blues ahead of 2016/17.

That season he also linked up with the WRU, acting as backs coach for the senior Wales team throughout the campaign with the usual coaching team on Lions duty, including going on the summer tour to play Samoa and Tonga.

In his role with the national set-up, he has already worked closely with the likes of Sam Davies and Keelan Giles, along with new recruits Aled Davies and Scott Williams who will also join the Ospreys ahead of next season.

Speaking about joining the Ospreys this summer, Sherratt said: “The opportunity to join the Ospreys was really appealing to me 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 in the squad. 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."

Confirming that Sherratt will be joining the backroom staff at the Ospreys next season, Managing Director, Andrew Millward, commented:

“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.

“We look forward to Matt joining up with us in the summer.”