Ex-Wales captain secures ‘key’ WRU development role

Former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap has been appointed head of women’s coaching and development by the Welsh Rugby Union.

The role, which has been newly created, is one that the WRU have described as “key” and “acknowledges the rapid growth of the women’s and girls’ game globally”. It is also forms part of the WRU’s ‘One Wales’ strategy.

During a six year international career, Lillicrap won 51 caps for Wales and has been Pathway Manager for the three Player Development Centres established by the WRU in Wast Wales, West Wales and North Wales since 2023. She was also Wales Women’s Under-18s head coach.

In her new role, Lillicrap will deliver an aligned coaching and development system across the women’s performance pathway for players aged between 14 and 24 across Wales.

Lillicrap said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this new role and bring my passion, knowledge and experience to this next chapter of developing our women’s and girl’s pathway.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past three and a half years working with Wales U18s and as Performance Pathway Manager.

“During that time, we have seen our develop system develop and players transition successfully into senior environments, it has been hugely rewarding to play a small part in that journey. There is an exciting generation of young talent emerging in Wales, with enormous potential for the future.

“I hope to bring the critical learnings and experiences I have gained throughout my career into this new role, while continuing to support and challenge the next generation of players and coaches.

“We have an ambitious and aspirational pathway in Wales, with a clear vision to develop people and players who can ultimately help Welsh Rugby succeed at the very highest level.”

Rhys Long, WRU Technical Director, said: “This is a key appointment for the WRU and recognises the rapid growth in playing numbers and coaches across the women’s game in Wales.

“Siwan brings a wealth of playing experience as a former Wales captain and her role as WRU Pathway Manager for the Player Development Centres for women’s and girls rugby was key to her appointment.

“This experience of Welsh rugby from almost every perspective gives her a unique understanding of the game and makes her exceptionally well placed to help guide our Welsh Rugby DNA.

“She will bring together the principles of How We Play, How We Coach and The Future Welsh Player, which we will be introducing across our entire pathway, ensuring that our decisions around players, coaches and pathway development are consistently driven by our ambition to produce future winning Welsh players.”