Rugby

Wales v England: No Six Nations allegiance issues for Matt Sherratt

So will it be weird viewed as an Englishman coaching Wales this weekend?

“I’ve worked in Wales for so long, and when you watch Wales when you’re not coaching then you get attached to the players, so there’s no question marks on allegiances,” said Sherratt.

“I’ve got so much familiarity with a lot of the Welsh players – probably three-quarters of the squad I’ve coached before and have personal relationships with so I’m more interested in that than what country I was born in.”

Cardiff head coach Sherratt came in for a three-game period after head coach Warren Gatland had stepped down following the away loss in Rome, a 14th successive defeat.

He said before the Ireland game he was meant to be watching the game next door in the Arms Park clubhouse for his brother-in-law’s 50th birthday. Family interest in tickets for this weekend’s game has peaked even more.

Sherratt was emotional this week when asked about his final game in charge as he highlighted the role his family have played.

“The Cardiff boys will tell you, I have a wobble probably two or three times a season, as soon as it becomes about family it’s pretty easy to go,” said Sherratt.

“But I have loved it, I’m not going to hide away from it, it’s something I’m proud of and enjoyed and so have the family.

“My son’s main motivation is getting on the pitch afterwards. I had to knock on the door of the Scottish changing room so he could have photos with Finn Russell.

“He enjoys that and he’s pestering me about trying to meet Fin Smith and Marcus Smith this weekend. I think he’s more interested in his Instagram account.”

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