Events at Cardiff pretty unsettling - Sherratt

Head coach Matt Sherratt and captain Liam Belcher's Cardiff side face Ospreys at Judgement Day on 19 April

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt says being put into administration was "unsettling" but believes the Arms Park side are now more secure than ever.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) took control of Cardiff last week after the club's legal entity was placed temporarily into administration.

The move has saved an estimated 150 jobs, including that of the players, according to the WRU, and all match tickets, sponsorships and hospitality will be honoured.

"The word administration and the fanfare around it is pretty unsettling," said Sherratt.

"But it was unsettling for 24 to 48 hours. Nothing has actually changed for the staff and players. Everyone who was in contract is still in contract.

"We are probably more secure now than we ever have been as a club, with the WRU coming in."

'Keeping Cardiff was crucial'

Sherratt praised the role of Welsh rugby's governing body.

"The WRU have been brilliant, I can't speak highly enough of how they have been," said Sherratt.

"The speed they have done it at has been impressive. But away from the business side of it, their first thought has always been about the people at the club. I got texts immediately asking if the players and staff were OK.

"Regardless of the nuts and bolts of it, the way they cared about the staff and players was the most impressive thing for me."

In the immediate aftermath of last week's takeover WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said it was "unthinkable for us to allow the demise of professional rugby in the Welsh capital".

"There is a massive amount of history here and I think the Welsh game would lose a lot if it lost Cardiff," said Sherratt.

"It's an iconic club in the middle of the city. It's essential that rugby stays."

Cardiff are currently ninth in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and return to action on Saturday where they face rivals Ospreys as part of Welsh rugby's Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium.

They then take on Munster, Bulls and Stormers in the URC in the hope of clinching a play-off place, which is awarded to teams who finish in the top eight.

"It will be nice to get back to rugby because, from my perspective in particular, it wasn't an easy week to concentrate on rugby," said Sherratt.

"Because I know the lads, I don't think they will use the last week as an excuse to let our season just peter out.

"The group are tight and they will want to finish the season in the right way."

The players' perspective

Cardiff captain Liam Belcher admitted the players had been affected by events of the past week.

"It's been pretty stressful but I've also got to give credit to the boys, they have been class with it all," said Belcher.

"It's not the sort of thing I ever thought would happen and go through, but we've put it behind us now. That's the only thing you can do.

"We have got our jobs, you are getting your money at the end of the month to pay for your mortgage and help your families out.

"I think that's what we've got to be grateful for."

The Cardiff hooker though does say the players have leaned on external support.

"Outside of rugby, you realise who is there for you," said Belcher.

"That was the big eye opener, just how many people actually care for the club. A lot of people came forward trying to volunteer help, with a bit of advice etc.

"Going for coffee on the day we were waiting for news, random people were just asking if you were OK, it was nice hearing that.

"It's bigger than rugby at that point. It's about livelihoods."