Sherratt outlines reasons for taking on Wales job again in Japan

WALES interim head coach Matt Sherratt says surveying the players, listening to his family and harbouring one major regret from the Six Nations were all behind taking on the job once again for the summer tour of Japan.

- By BEN JAMES

The Cardiff boss was parachuted in as interim for the final three matches of the Six Nations, following Warren Gatland's mid-tournament departure following a difficult second spell in charge.

While Sherratt wasn't able to end the lengthy losing run, he did instil some much-needed positivity as life after Gatland began for the second time around.

With no replacement for the Kiwi in place, Sherratt has once again assumed the interim role - filling his coaching ticket with a trusted team of lieutenants.

However, it wasn't a given that Sherratt would have accepted the role something he explained to the travelling press in Japan as he outlined his reasons for doing the job again.

Earlier this week, it was revealed by assistant coach T. Rhys Thomas that Sherratt has given a questionnaire to his squad, with Joe Roberts confirming that the vast majority of the squad - 30 out of 33 - said the target was nothing less than two victories in Japan.

After naming his team to face Japan this morning (6am kick off), Sherratt revealed the feedback he'd received from his player survey, saying: "I spoke to the players before we came away.

"I wondered what their motivation was and why they were coming here.

"The short answer was they want to win for Wales.

For the future, it's probably the end of something, this tour.