The WRU has announced more contracts and new terms for the head coach, Ioan Cunningham.
This is just the sort of news that boosts confidence as the Welsh squad prepares for the World Cup.
There are five new full contracts, for Alex Callender, Cara Hope, Caryl Thomas, Liliana Podpadec and Megan Webb. Robyn Wilkins has accepted a retainer contract. (Full details below)
In addition no fewer than 11 players switch from retainer to full-time contracts, and the support staff has been considerably strengthened. And more players will be offered short-term arrangements acoss the RWC period.
It brings the total to 31.
They are in line with earlier assurances that these improved terms would go on growing. They have the additional benefit of bringing players on to a more even financial footing. That can only help togetherness.
Cunningham has committed to staying with the squad till 2025, that means till the end of the next World Cup campaign.
Cause and Effect
After the first raft of contracts Wales achieved their best results in the Six Nations since 2009. Wales have won six matches in the six seasons since the 6N system was last altered in 2017 (bonus points introduced) – half of them since the contracts came in last year. Can this latest move extend Wales’ success? That must be the hope.
This news is another indication of the proactive approach of the newly structured WRU, and especially of Nigel Walker, the Performance Director.
Players are bound to raise their standards when they know the administration is fully behind them.
Contracted players
Full-time:
Keira Bevan, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender*, Gwen Crabb*, Georgia Evans*, Kat Evans*, Lleucu George*, Cerys Hale*, Cara Hope*, Natalia John, Hannah Jones, Kelsey Jones*, Jasmine Joyce, Kerin Lake*, Bethan Lewis*, Caitlin Lewis*, Ffion Lewis, Siwan Lillicrap, Lisa Neumann, Carys Phillips, Lilliana Podpadec*, Kayleigh Powell*, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Elinor Snowsill, Niamh Terry*, Caryl Thomas*, Sisilia Tuipulotu*, Meg Webb*
Part-time:
Abbie Fleming, Robyn Wilkins*
*New awards
Other players in full-time pre-season training programme:
Sioned Harries, Eloise Hayward, Emma Hennessy, Manon Johnes, Lowri Norkett, Gemma Rowland, Jenni Scoble, Scarlett Thomas-Thompson,
Carys Williams
Coming Fixtures:
v Canada 27 August, Halifax, Nova Scotia
v England 14 September, Ashton Gate, Bristol
