Sherratt

Sherratt’s departure was confirmed on Monday, just six days before the URC opener against Lions.

Adams is confident that the loss of the head coach will not hit Cardiff’s hopes of improving on last season.

“He made a conscious effort to improve our training days and habits,” said Adams.

“It takes a while to break a bad habit and create a new one. What he has implemented is here to stay and there is a great group of senior players who hold everybody accountable to those standards.

“The foundations that he has laid are solid and I wouldn’t say that any hard work will be undone because he has moved on.”

Adams says forwards coach Van Zyl has stepped in “seamlessly” as Cardiff hunt a successful first block of the URC in which they face Lions, Connacht and Edinburgh at home and Munster and Dragons away.

They open up against a Lions side who finished 11th last season and were runners-up in South Africa’s Currie Cup.

“The Lions are a team that graft hard for each other, that’s evident when you watch them,” said Adams.

“They don’t have the superstars of the South African franchises but they are a tough side and we will have to be close to our best to get something from the game.”

Cardiff say they have begun a review process to find Sherratt’s long-term successor.

The region’s interim managing director, Jamie Muir, said: “The fact he has been approached by Wales is testament to the progress we have made as a club with him at the helm as head coach.

“We are confident with the staff that remain in place and are fully focussed on kicking off the new season on Saturday night in positive fashion.”

Former Osprey’s coach Tandy took over his role as Wales head coach on 1 September and has already added Danny Wilson to his management team with responsibility for the line-out and contact areas.

Wales have four autumn international in November against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Sherratt returned to Cardiff for a second stint as Backs and Attack Coach in 2021 and spent the past two seasons as head coach.

“I am proud that we have been able to put the club back on solid foundations, have implemented a playing style that resonates with the history and city, and enjoyed so many memorable moments at the Arms Park,” added Sherratt.

“The timing is not ideal, however I am confident that the club is in good hands with some excellent coaches and staff behind the scenes.”