Wales women's coach Cunningham steps down after player contracts furore

Wales women's coach Ioan Cunningham has left by mutual agreement after three years in the job, the Welsh Rugby Union said on Friday a week after the WRU apologised to players for its handling of contract negotiations.

Wales, who are ranked 10th in the world, managed only four wins in 11 games this year. They finished last in the women's Six Nations earlier this year.

"We would like to formally thank Ioan Cunningham for his contribution to the senior international women’s game in Wales over the last three seasons," WRU CEO Abi Tierney said in a statement.

"Ioan has been in charge for the transition of the team from amateur to professional status and led the side to a first ever win over Australia this year after seeing them finish third in Six Nations 2023 and reach WXV1 in the Autumn of that year."

WXV is an annual international competition launched in 2023.

The WRU said a new coach would be appointed ahead of next year's Six Nations which kicks off in March.

The 41-year-old Cunningham, who British media said was involved in the player contract talks, said in the WRU statement: "We have made some significant progress and there are many achievements to be proud of in terms of squad development.

"But the time is now right for someone new to take the helm and I wish the new regime and everyone involved in this elite programme all the very best for the future."

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The WRU Board met earlier this week to consider the recent review into contract negotiations with the women's squad.

Last week, the WRU said 37 new full-time professional contracts were awarded in October but it had undertaken a review into its processes after the Telegraph reported that the players mulled strike action before a Sept. 6 friendly with Scotland.

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