However, far from being a step backwards, the move meant Women’s rugby would come under the broader umbrella of the WRU and now enjoys the same benefits as all other elements of elite and community rugby in Wales.
Wales Women Head Coach Jason Lewis is buoyed by the change: “Our players now have access to all the professional staff available to elite players in Wales – from skills coaches and trainers to notational analysts. All this is helping to provide the right conditions for improving the standard of the Women’s game and we are already seeing the benefits of the move.”
The women’s game has been developing in Wales for the past few years, both at international level – where first wins over the likes of France and Scotland have been recorded – and at grass roots level – where increasing numbers have taken up the sport. Despite such recent successes, however, Lewis is keen to stress that the management’s thinking is based on an ongoing vision of introducing new talent, rather than simply focussing on the next few matches.
“We have to take a long-term view,” says Lewis. “This can affect team selection but you have to look forward, which is what we’re doing over a two year period to make sure we’re in good health for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010 and beyond.”
That said, more immediate concerns exist in the shape of the forthcoming Women’s Six Nations Championship, which kicks off with a trip to the dominant nation in northern hemisphere Women’s rugby, England. “It’ll be good for us to get it out of the way,” admits Jason. “England will be tough to beat away, but as far as we are concerned every other team is there for the taking.”
With players like the hugely experienced wing Louise Rickard – with 95 caps to her name – on call, along with Non Evans and Clare Flowers, it’s easy to see why confidence is high.
“We have some top-quality players,” boasts Lewis. “Mel Berry, our captain, is world class in the backrow as is Jamie Kift, who’ll be available mid-way through the tournament when she’s recovered from her knee injury.”
As well as the team’s more experienced members, Jason singles out young centre Rachel Poolman as one who can make an impact: “She’s really come on over the past few years and is ready to become a real force at international level. Forwards Catrina Nicholas and Rhian Bowden are also ones to watch – and Liza Burgess, who enjoyed a playing career spanning twenty years has joined the management team as attached forwards coach so she is imparting her incredible wealth of knowledge to the youngsters.”
So, with some exciting players and full WRU backing, it appears that the women’s game in Wales is in rude health. The Women’s Six Nations now mirrors the RBS Six Nations Championship, with Wales Women beginning their Women’s Six Nations campaign against England Women at the former London Irish ground in Sunbury, Middlesex next Saturday. They will play all their home matches at Taffs Well RFC.
Watch Wales Women in action in this season’ Championship
England v Wales – Saturday February 2nd 2008, 2.30pm – London Irish Amateur, Sunbury, Middlesex
Wales v Scotland – Sunday February 9th 2008, 1pm – Taffs Well
Wales v Italy – Sunday February 23rd, 1pm – Taffs Well
Ireland v Wales – Friday March 7th 2008, 7.30pm – St Mary’s, Dublin
Wales v France – Saturday March 15th 2008, 1pm – Taffs Well
Wales Women – Women’s Six Nations 2008 Squad:
Backs: Non Evans (Clifton), Philippa Tuttiett (UWIC), Hayley Baxter (Cardiff Quins), Louise Rickard (Woodbridge), Bethan Walsh (Wasps), Michaela Reed (Birchgrove), Clare Flowers (Clifton), Rachel Poolman (UWIC), Awen Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Naomi Thomas (Clifton), Laura Prosser (Pontyclun), Amy Day (UWIC)
Forwards: Jenny Davies (Waterloo), Louise Horgan (Saracens), Claire Horgan (Lichfield), Ruth Evans (Waterloo), Natalie Bowen (Whitland), Rhian Bowden (Clfton), Claire Donovan (Saracens), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins), Jenny Doyle (Bath Ladies), Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun), Melissa Berry (capt, Clifton), Nic Evans (Wasps), Catrina Nicholas (Bath Ladies)
Click Here for Detailed Squad Information
