Wales players finally agree new contract terms with WRU

Wales captain Hannah Jones says players have finally reached an agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) over contracts.

Jones, among other senior women’s players, has been in talks with the governing body for several months, with pay understood to be the main point of contention.

But speaking at Tuesday’s kit launch, Jones said: “Fortunately we’ve come to the end.

“There has been a group of us leading forward the contracts.

“It’s important to get it right now so it’s right for the future and current players.

“We’re all happy with our contracts, so we can focus on the rugby moving forward, going into WXV and start building for that World Cup.”

Wales were initially awarded 12 professional contracts at the start of 2022, but that number has since risen to over 30.

Jones, 27, was one of several regular starters left out of Friday’s WXV2 warm-up against Scotland – other notable absentees in the 40-14 defeat included Carys Phillips, Alex Callender, Abbie Fleming and Georgia Evans.

Keira Bevan was instead given the captaincy for the first time.

Jones, who has been led the side since the 2022 Rugby World Cup, said she would like to remain in the role.

“Yeah definitely, if it’s there on the table,” she said.

“The passion and the want to play for my country will always be there.

“Yes, there are difficult times, difficult moments, but it’s the only way I am going to get better if I’m uncomfortable and pushing myself in difficult situations.”

Wales will train against world champions New Zealand this week before hosting Australia in their final WXV warm-up at Rodney Parade on Friday, 20 September.