LILLICRAP APPOINTED WRU HEAD OF WOMEN'S COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT

Siwan Lillicrap has been appointed head of women's coaching and development by the Welsh Rugby Union in a newly created role. The former Wales captain, who won 51 caps during her playing career, will oversee an aligned coaching and development system across the women's performance pathway for players aged 14 to 24. Lillicrap has worked as the WRU's pathway manager and women's under-18s head coach since retiring from international rugby in 2022. In her previous position, she oversaw player development centres across east, west and north Wales.

Lillicrap was among the first 12 players awarded full-time WRU playing contracts when the women's programme introduced them in 2022. As Wales women's under-18s coach, she guided her side to a 32-24 victory over England in the 2026 U18s Six Nations Festival. Rhys Long, the WRU's technical director, said the appointment recognised rapid growth in playing numbers and coaches across women's rugby in Wales. He cited Lillicrap's playing experience as a former Wales captain and her work managing the player development centres as key factors in the decision.

Lillicrap expressed enthusiasm for the role in a statement, saying she intended to bring her "passion, knowledge and experience" to developing Wales's women's and girls' pathway. She highlighted success during her three and a half years with the Wales U18s and as performance pathway manager, noting that the development system had improved and players had transitioned successfully into senior environments. The WRU stated the appointment reflected the organisation's ambition to develop players capable of helping Welsh rugby succeed at the highest level.