WRU begins search for new Wales women head coach

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has officially begun its search for its next Wales women head coach.

Earlier this month, Ioan Cunningham stepped down - a decision the WRU said was by mutual agreement - after three years in charge, following a turbulent year on and off the pitch.

Wales won just four of 11 Tests in 2024, and Welsh rugby's governing body admitted serious failings in the way it handled players' contract negotiations over the summer.

The WRU says the new head coach will lead a 37-strong squad of WRU-contracted players and "will be expected to deliver and drive the performance and culture to the highest standard".

The successful candidate will "have experience at professional, national and international level" and the WRU expects that person to build key relationships, have a key strategic role in developing Welsh talent and to establish Wales as "one of the top five nations in the world".

Wales are currently ranked 10th in the world, but prior to their current slump did finish third in two successive Six Nations (2022 and 2023) and qualified for WXV1 in 2023.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: "This is a critical appointment for the Welsh Rugby Union, and we are looking for candidates of the highest quality with a proven record in high performance.

"With a Six Nations and a World Cup in 2025, this appointment will play an integral role within our strategy for Welsh rugby.

"We need someone who will take the team to the next phase of professionalism and lead the development of a robust and vibrant team dynamic."