The next Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place in three years’ time and Phillips believes this is the perfect time to up the ante in preparation for the global event.
The former dual code Wales international has revamped the Women’s Regional Championship, moving it to a compact run of games at the start of the season and added an intensive pre-season programme to ensure the players available to his international side are as fit, skilful and competitive as possible.
Registration to be part of a regional squad is now open (CLICK HERE to register). The Wales Women coaching team is running a seven week conditioning and skills pre-season programme for all registered players starting mid July, leading into a six week competition phase kicking off with a Super 5 launch event at St Helens on September 9.
Rowland believes these changes in pre-season preparation and the scheduling of the matches will improve the regional players, coaches and the quality of the tournament, in turn strengthening competition for international places and he has appealed to any player wishing to put their hands up for Wales selection to be part of the programme.
Phillips said, “We are already qualified for the next Rugby World Cup in 2021 so it’s an ideal time for a fresh start and put measures in place to ensure we are as competitive as possible when that time comes around.
“We want all players with ambitions to play regional and international rugby to register for the new regional programme. Our attached coaches and conditioners will run the seven week skills and conditioning programme within the regions to improve standards across the board and the intensive, six-week competition structure will put us in a good position to select our international squad for the season.
“I’ve stated that all players need to be in the regional programme if they want to be available for Wales selection – including any players based outside Wales. I’d like all players to register and we’ll work with them to find the most suitable region and training and playing programme.”
The U18 Regional Championship will be held during the Six Nations period with a three-week preparation period. Under 18 regional registration will open in the autumn.
Phillips added, “More and more talented players are coming into our system, thanks to the huge upturn in interest an opportunities at schools and cluster centres. It’s fantastic for us as a national coaching team as the more players in the game at a younger age increases the standard of players who progress into regional and international rugby. We will keep developing and monitoring all emerging players, with the sevens programme another opportunity to hone skills and international experience.”
