Harlequins boss reinforces future whilst coaching Wales

Wilson who is no stranger to the game in Wales has joined up with Matt Sherratt’s backroom team for this summer’s two-Test tour of Japan. Having coached at the 2012 Junior World Championship, where that Welsh side defeated New Zealand 9-6 in Stellenbosch. 

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He has also spent time at the Dragons, Scarlets, and in 2018 concluded his time in Wales with Cardiff. His time at Cardiff saw him and now interim head coach, Sherratt who was working under Wilson guide the Blue and Blacks to European Challenge Cup silverware in 2018. 

Fast forward to June 2025 and Sherratt is now the boss and Wilson is the assistant, how the tables have turned. 

“I first worked with Matt at Bristol and then having seen how good he was I was desperate to bring him to Cardiff,” said Wilson.

“Then we had a good time together and we went our separate ways into different projects after a pleasing end by winning a bit of silverware together with Cardiff.”

“I’m very respectful of who is in the head coaching role,” said Wilson. 

“Matt was supportive of me in our period together at Cardiff, and likewise me now. 

“He’s picked up some great experience here and put in some great foundations in a short space of time during the Six Nations.

“If I can come in and help him in any way in this project, then that will be great.”

Wales are currently on a torrid run of 17 consecutive Test defeats, with the start of those losses dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, Wilson who made it adamantly clear that he will be returning to Harlequins said for future success for Wales, there needs to be some further alignment with the regions. 

“There’s an amazing facility here and platform to build from. There’s an hour and 10 minutes from the Dragons to the Scarlets,” Wilson continued. 

“That’s a huge advantage and using that in Wales and bringing four regions together and aligning as much as possible has got to be the project for the future. If that’s done, it’s exciting.

“There’s always talent in Wales, some have ended up over the bridge playing in England.

“It will take a bit of time to get where it needs to get and everyone is aware of that.

“There’s no magical dust to be sprinkled on something, it takes hard work and some changes to be made.

“Looking at it from afar, somebody who grabs hold of it now has got an exciting project ahead of them.”

Currently below them in the World rankings following closely is Eddie Jones‘ Japan side, who will be fancying their chances in the sweltering heat that is expected in both Kitakyushu and Kobe where the pair will meet. 

“The group here are extremely passionate about turning around this run of games and results,” continued Wilson.

“It is tough for some of those boys who have been involved in this long run of games and we collectively need to break that cycle.

“One win can change and breed confidence, sometimes that’s the bounce of a ball.

“Once you get on the right side of that, in this group there’s quality rugby players who will flourish.”