'An opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down': Ashley Beck goes full-time with Wales

Ashley Beck has been named as the full-time attack coach for the Wales Women’s national side ahead of the upcoming WXV Global Series.

The seven-cap former Wales centre joins head coach Sean Lynn’s backroom staff alongside forwards coach Steve Salvin and defence coach Tyrone Holmes. Beck steps away from his role as Brython Thunder head coach, having guided them to the Celtic Challenge semi-finals.

“This was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down after being with the national side in the recent W6N campaign,” said Beck.

“We took real steps forward during the championship and the players really bought into the new team identity and playing philosophy we want to build.

“It was a real privilege and challenge to coach Wales at this level, but the pleasing aspect is that the coaches and the players share the same ambition of making the nation proud.

“Sean, Tyrone, Steve and myself all share the same rugby values, and we laid down a real foundation during the W6N campaign and we saw the fruits of that against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

“We have talented players in Wales, and the desire is there to be successful, and they have to believe they can compete against the best sides in the world because they can.”

Beck previously worked with new British and Irish Lions head coach Jo Yapp at Worcester Warriors Women before the club’s demise in 2023.

“Ash’s relatability to the players and the knowledge of his squad at Brython Thunder has proved invaluable,” said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.

“He wants players to express themselves, be brave and have the confidence to attack what they see in front of them but within a clear attacking structure.

“Ash is full of a new ideas of how to attack teams and we look forward to seeing the players build on what we saw against the Barbarians.”

The WRU will now advertise for Beck’s replacement at Brython Thunder.

“Ashley Beck impressed us all with his knowledge of the game and analysis of players during the W6N campaign,” added WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin.

“His experience in the Celtic Challenge, with a young Brython Thunder side, saw him identify and prepare players for Test match rugby and we are excited to see him play a key role in building the national side’s playing identity.”