The WRU’s In Focus – The Women’s Game paper outlines a bold and long‑term commitment to transforming women’s rugby in Wales as part of The Way Forward.
With additional annual investment rising from £3.7m to £5.7m by 2030, the WRU sets out a unified, distinctly Welsh system that connects grassroots, education, performance pathways, and elite rugby.
Central to this vision is the creation of a Women’s National Academy for players aged 18–23, alongside the expansion of Player Development Centres into three hubs and nine satellite sites across Wales. These changes will ensure consistent coaching, better access to high‑performance environments, and a clearer, more accessible pathway for talented young players.
The paper also details significant investment in competition structures, strengthening the Celtic Challenge to keep talent in Wales and raise performance standards. Through phased rollout from 2025 to 2030, the WRU will build a cohesive system that embeds Welsh Rugby DNA, deepens competitive opportunities, supports player welfare and development, and prepares academy graduates for professional and international rugby.
This is positioned as a defining moment for the women’s game; an ambitious, sustainable plan to inspire the next generation and elevate Wales to the top tier of women’s rugby.
With contributions from leaders including Women’s Performance Pathway Manager, Siwan Lillicrap, WRU Head of Women’s Rugby, Belinda Moore, WRU Board member and ex-international, Amanda Bennett, and WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, Dave Reddin, this In Focus edition highlights a future built on belief, opportunity, and long‑term commitment.
It calls on communities, partners, coaches, parents, and players across Wales to engage with a movement designed to inspire the next generation and secure a proud, competitive, and connected future for the women’s game.
VIEW WRU Post Consultation In Focus Series Women’s Pathway here