Ashley Beck leaves Brython Thunder to become Wales Women's full-time attack coach

Ashley Beck has been named full-time attack coach for the Wales Women’s national side, joining head coach Sean Lynn’s backroom staff as the squad prepares for the upcoming WXV Global Series.

The seven-cap former Wales centre steps away from Brython Thunder, where he guided the side to the Celtic Challenge semi-finals, to work alongside forwards coach Steve Salvin and defence coach Tyrone Holmes in a permanent capacity.

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

Beck pointed to Wales’s performance against the Barbarians at Twickenham as evidence of the progress made during the Women’s Six Nations, adding that the coaching group shares a unified vision. “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.”

Head coach Sean Lynn was equally enthusiastic about securing Beck on a permanent basis. “Ash’s relatability to the players and the knowledge of his squad at Brython Thunder has proved invaluable,” Lynn said. “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.”

Beck previously worked alongside new British and Irish Lions head coach Jo Yapp at Worcester Warriors Women before the club folded in 2023, giving him experience at the higher end of the women’s game before his move into coaching.

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin highlighted Beck’s work identifying and preparing players for Test rugby during his time with Brython Thunder. “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.”

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