Welsh Rugby Union Announces New Head Coach Role

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will appoint a new head coach for the Wales women’s team, and the coach will report to a newly created position of women’s rugby lead which the WRU will establish in 2025. This decision follows the departure of Nigel Walker as executive director of rugby and Ioan Cunningham’s exit as Wales women’s head coach. The new role will oversee the women’s and girls’ game in Wales, manage the head coach and contribute to the WRU’s high-performance strategy.

Walker resigned after a comprehensive review of the men’s game’s high-performance structure. During his tenure, the WRU faced scrutiny including criticism for mishandling contract negotiations with the senior women’s team which led the WRU to issue an apology in November. The controversy arose shortly after an independent review exposed a toxic culture within the WRU, identifying sexism, racism and misogyny that the organization failed to challenge.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has committed to improving governance and transparency. It will restructure player negotiations involve independent third parties when necessary and formalize contracted players as primary WRU employees. The organization also plans to reset working practices and prioritize player well-being through initiatives like “Have a Voice” sessions.

WRU CEO Abi Tierney emphasized that the review has been crucial in advancing the women’s and girls’ game. She acknowledged the players’ significant role in driving the necessary changes and stated that with the new head coach set to be appointed in January, the team can look forward to a positive future. Tierney expressed confidence that the WRU is on the right path and thanked everyone for their honest feedback and constructive input.