Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is in charge for his second season
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is hoping his side do not lose players because the organisation was placed into administration and taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
Following the takeover, the WRU insisted all contracts at Cardiff would be honoured.
However, in some cases, players will be free to move on if they wish – with their deals then deemed null and void – because the region slipped into administration.
Cardiff players were asked to sign contracts on Monday to ensure their deals were switched over under current employment laws.
When asked whether he feared losing players, Sherratt replied: “No, I don’t think so.
“The first reason is I think the players are happy here. I’ve tried to make Cardiff an enjoyable place to play rugby.
“I want players who have a connection to the club and city, and play for a club with the history we’ve got.
“Hopefully all the players have an attachment, so that keeps them anyway.
“From the conversations I’ve had with the club, their contracts are the same as before we went into administration.”
Adams signing proves ‘Cardiff are here to stay’
Cardiff wing Josh Adams has played 91 internationals for Wales
Wales wing Josh Adams signalled his intentions this week by signing a new two-year deal.
“To keep someone who is a British and Irish Lion and 60 caps was a statement signing for the club,” said Sherratt.
“After the past 10 days, it reaffirms we’re here to stay.”
Adams says Cardiff’s plight did not change his mind on staying.
“My contract was signed before all that happened (administration and WRU takeover) anyway,” said Adams.
“It was about signing and transferring the contract over, so there was nothing to ponder from my end.”
Adams says the extent of the news of Cardiff’s financial plight surprised the squad.
“It was shock news when I first heard but the group dealt with it well,” said Adams.
“The speed in which from start to finish, from players finding out the news to being taken over, was very quick.
“I have to say how well the WRU and Cardiff boards worked to get that done and put any uncertainty or doubts in players’ minds to bed.
“They have to have a tap on the back for their diligence and prioritising players and staff.”
Adams was one of four senior players, alongside club captain Liam Belcher and Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) representatives Corey Domachowski and Callum Sheedy who helped relay messages to fellow players.
“It hasn’t changed anything in our day-to-day stuff and we have cracked on with things,” said Adams.
“From the outside, teams could view it as something that can galvanise the group.
“We know our strength within the group. We are close-knit and that was proved with the way we dealt with the situation.”
‘Not something I would like to repeat’
Sherratt has endured an eventful couple of months after also taking over as interim Wales coach after Warren Gatland resigned during the Six Nations.
“It’s just nice to be coaching,” said Sherratt.
“You just look at it as experience. I love coaching here and loved the Wales experience.
“I didn’t love the past 10 days, but you get through it and remind yourself you’re a rugby coach and you can do your best work on the pitch, not in the meeting room.
“The past 10 days is not something I’d like to repeat but hopefully we can now concentrate on rugby.”
Cardiff face Ospreys at Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium on Saturday with both sides battling for a top eight play-off place in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
“It was trying to get the players passed last week,” said Sherratt.
“When we had the meeting (about WRU takeover) we tried to give the players clarity. Five minutes after that, we were talking about what an ending we’ve got.
“We’ve got one of our closest rivals in the best stadium in world rugby.
“We’ve got Munster at home on a Friday night and you’ve seen over the past two seasons when the club have needed their supporters, they’ve come out en masse.
“Then there’s a trip to South Africa. What a way to finish the season as a group.”
‘Ospreys stand with Cardiff’
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones is a former Wales wing
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says his side support their Cardiff counterparts.
“We feel for those people who are affected by it,” said Jones.
“It’s not any of the playing or management group’s fault.
“They’ve just been going about their work. These types of things are above that level and unfortunately it’s the players who are feeling the effects of it right now.
“It affects different people in different ways. It could affect them in a positive way, in which they come together and galvanise and support each other.
“But it also could turn people into looking inward and probably worrying about themselves, rather than the bigger picture.”
Jones is talking from experience having been through a similar process when he was in the backroom staff at Worcester.
The English club went bust in 2022 with Worcester recently announcing they will return next season.
“I’m sure it’ll affect them (Cardiff) in some way, because I’ve been through it at Worcester,” said Jones.
“The Worcester players were awesome in trying to put it to one side. We were working and playing without pay, some were without contracts and still turning up the work.
“You had staff doing exactly the same, not just players.
“It was an awful time, but it’s great to see Worcester back and in the tier two of the English system.”
