WRU says new deals make Wales among 'best paid women's teams'

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has agreed 37 new full-time contracts for Wales players that the governing body says makes them "one of the best paid international women’s teams in the world game".

Wales captain Hannah Jones revealed earlier this month that an agreement had been reached on new deals after several months of talks between players and the WRU, with pay understood to be the main point of contention.

Initially Wales had been awarded 12 professional contracts at the start of 2022, but that number has steadily risen and the 37 new deals include many extended two-year agreements.

It is a boost for the squad as they prepare to face Australia in their WXV2 opener in South Africa on Saturday - buoyed by a first win over the Wallaroos in seven attempts in last week's warm-up at Rodney Parade.

Jones, who was one of the first 12 to be contracted in 2022 when the senior women’s game went professional in Wales, is a central figure once again, with 76-cap hooker Carys Phillips - who this week also signed a new deal with Harlequins - recent matchday captain Kiera Bevan (65 caps) and sevens star Jasmine Joyce all retained.

There are also deals for rising stars Nel Metcalfe, Sian Jones and Molly Reardon - who are all in single figures in Wales appearances - and consistent performers Lleucu George, Alex Callender, Abbie Fleming, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alisha Butchers.

A WRU statement said it had undertaken "a detailed benchmarking exercise", adding "the move, which, for the first time, includes many extended two-year deals, makes Wales Women one of the best paid international women’s teams in the world game".

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says she is confident Wales now have the systems and structures in place to ensure preparations for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England are the best they have ever been.

“We have reached a good place with this Wales squad and we are excited about the future,” said Tierney.

“It’s our job to ensure that everything is right off the pitch so that the players and coaches can concentrate on their preparations for what happens on it.

“We have a stated aim to continue to invest in women’s rugby and that means both at the professional level and in the structures and systems which underpin it.

“Professional international contracts are a vitally important part of the ecosystem we are creating to promote success.

“We have not completed this work and we will have plenty more to say on this subject when we announce our full strategy this autumn, but this is a hugely positive day for women’s rugby in Wales.

“These players are role models for our children, young girls and young women throughout the land, but also the pride of the nation as a whole.

“We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of all 37 in a deal which makes this team one of the very best supported women’s teams in the world game, both financially and structurally.”