Former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap appointed to lead WRU women's coaching development

Siwan Lillicrap, the former Wales captain and 51-cap international, has been appointed head of women’s coaching and development by the Welsh Rugby Union in a newly created position that forms part of the governing body’s ‘One Wales’ strategy.

The WRU described the role as “key” to acknowledging “the rapid growth of the women’s and girls’ game globally”. Lillicrap will be responsible for delivering an aligned coaching and development system across the women’s performance pathway for players aged between 14 and 24 throughout Wales.

Lillicrap brings considerable experience to the post. Since 2023 she has served as Pathway Manager for the three Player Development Centres established by the WRU in East Wales, West Wales and North Wales, and has also held the position of Wales Women’s Under-18s head coach.

“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 girls’ pathway,” Lillicrap said. “There is an exciting generation of young talent emerging in Wales, with enormous potential for the future.”

WRU Technical Director Rhys Long said the appointment recognised both the growth in playing numbers and Lillicrap’s breadth of experience across Welsh rugby. “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,” Long said.

Long added that Lillicrap would bring together the WRU’s core principles — How We Play, How We Coach and The Future Welsh Player — across the entire pathway, with the stated ambition of producing “future winning Welsh players”.