The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has awarded 37 new full-time contracts to Wales Women players, making them one of the highest-paid international women’s teams.
These new contracts arrive as the squad gears up to play Australia in the WXV2 tournament in South Africa this weekend. They build on the 12 original contracts established in 2022 when the senior women’s game turned professional in Wales.
Abi Tierney, CEO of the WRU, commented: “We have reached a good place with this Wales squad and we are excited about the future. It’s our job to ensure that everything is right off the pitch so that the players and coaches can concentrate on their preparations for what happens on it.
“We have a stated aim to continue to invest in women’s rugby and that means both at the professional level and in the structures and systems which underpin it.”
Squad captain Hannah Jones, a member of the original 12 players contracted in 2022, remains a key figure. Joining her are hooker Carys Phillips, recent matchday captain Kiera Bevan and Jasmine Joyce, all of whom have been retained.
Women’s rugby union is experiencing significant growth, highlighted by broadcasters like the BBC securing the rights to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in the UK, showcasing the expanding landscape of women’s rugby and sports overall.
Tierney stressed that professional international contracts are essential to the ecosystem being developed to foster success.
“We have not completed this work and we will have plenty more to say on this subject when we announce our full strategy this autumn, but this is a hugely positive day for Women’s rugby in Wales,” Tierney added.
“These players are role models for our children, young girls and young women throughout the land, but also the pride of the nation as a whole. We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of all 37 in a deal which makes this team one of the very best supported women’s teams in the world game, both financially and structurally.”