Sherratt’s background is very different from his predecessor. Gatland was a former All Blacks hooker who has been one of world rugby’s super-coaches of the 21st century, having been involved in the international game for more than 25 years.
The New Zealander even had those gates named after him after his first successful stint in charge of Wales.
Sherratt’s route to his current role has been more modest. He was born in Gloucester with a Welsh mother but never played the game at the top level.
Nicknamed “Jockey” because of his short stature, Sherratt worked as a primary school teacher before becoming a development officer for the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
He worked in the Worcester Warriors academy before graduating to an attack coach for Bristol Bears, where he says he learned a lot from former England and Scotland boss Andy Robinson.
Stints at Cardiff and Ospreys followed before being appointed as a permanent head coach for the first time in his career at the Arms Park for the 2023-24 season.
It was a baptism of fire, where Sherratt started his first pre-season with just eight players as the financial issues of Welsh rugby bit. So he is used to adversity and dealing with crisis situations.
“I’m a teacher and my subject is rugby,” said Sherratt.
“I don’t see it any differently whether it’s international or club.
“I’ve been on a long journey from primary school teaching, community rugby coach going around schools delivering tag rugby sessions, from academy to senior and then international.
“I’m proud of that. When you first start, you worry you’re not a name or an ex-player.
“I’ve been in it long enough to see what professional rugby is about, but I’ve also got that teaching background to fall back on especially where you’ve got to read the room.”
