WRU appoints Siwan Lillicrap as first head of women's coaching and development

Former captain Siwan Lillicrap has been appointed head of women's coaching and development by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

WRU chiefs say Lillicrap will "deliver an aligned coaching and development system across the women's performance pathway for players between 14 and 24 years of age" in the newly created role.

Lillicrap, who won 51 Wales caps, has worked as WRU's pathway manager and women's under-18s head coach since retiring from international rugby in 2022.

In her role as pathways manager, the 38-year-old oversaw player development centres in east, west and north Wales.

"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," said Lillicrap.

"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 development system develop and players transition successfully into senior environments.

"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."

As Wales women's under-18s coach, Lillicrap saw her young Wales side record a 32-24 victory over England in the 2026 U18s Six Nations Festival.

Rhys Long, the WRU's 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."

Lillicrap was one of the first 12 players to be awarded the full-time WRU playing contracts for Wales women in 2022.