Wales appoint Matt Sherratt as attack coach as Liam Williams moves to Newcastle Red Bulls

Wales have appointed Matt Sherratt as their new attack coach, the Welsh Rugby Union announced on Friday, as Steve Tandy begins to shape his first full Wales regime. Sherratt leaves Cardiff, where he has been head coach, to take a permanent post in the national set-up alongside Tandy and fellow assistants, with Liam Williams set to join Newcastle Red Bulls as he chases a 100th Wales cap.

Sherratt previously ran the Wales attack during an interim spell for the last five Tests this year — the final three Six Nations games and the summer tour of Japan — a period in which Wales ended a long losing run with a win in Japan. He earned strong backing from players for his work ethic and communication, and the move keeps the Wales coaching unit intact following Danny Wilson's departure from Harlequins earlier this month.

Head coach Steve Tandy welcomed Sherratt, praising his interim experience and his fit with the squad's philosophy. Tandy noted that Sherratt's short turnaround in Japan demonstrated his ability to implement ideas quickly and work with a developing group of players.

Liam Williams, 34, has 93 Wales caps and has signed for Newcastle Red Bulls. He has not played competitively since suffering a knee injury in Wales's Six Nations opener against France in January. Williams had been without a club after leaving Saracens at the end of last season but trained with Cardiff through the summer. He said the move offers a good opportunity to experience something new, to test himself at the international level, and to help younger players maximise their ability.

The transfer comes as Newcastle Red Bulls undertake a broader rebranding under new ownership by Red Bull, with a view to expanding resources for the club. If Williams features regularly for Newcastle, he could be in line for a late surge toward the 100-cap mark under Tandy as Wales plan their autumn schedule.

Wales will begin their autumn campaign under Tandy with a test against Argentina on November 9, as the new-look set-up starts to build towards a year of international fixtures. Cardiff's coaching staff — Corniel van Zyl, Gethin Jenkins, Jonny Goodridge and Scott Andrews — are expected to take on greater responsibility for the capital club as the national team continues its reshaping.