Cunningham gone as boss of Wales Women after controversial season

IOAN Cunningham has left his role as head coach of Wales Women after a chaotic season.

The Welsh Rugby Union are now hunting for a new boss ahead of next year’s World Cup after the former Scarlets coach left “by mutual agreement”.

Wales won just four times in 11 games in 2024 and they are ranked 10th in the world, but it is off-field events that has been to the fore recently.

The WRU admitted that they handled negotiations over players’ contracts poorly over the summer, with reports highlighting the role of Cunningham in those matters.

The 41-year-old had been in charge since 2021 but has made an early exit despite being contracted to call the shots at the World Cup, when Wales face a key clash against Scotland as well as powerhouses Canada and Fiji.

Cunningham said, “We have made some significant progress and there are many achievements to be proud of in terms of squad development.

“In particular, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2021 Rugby World Cup (played in 2022), and third place finishes in both the 2022 and the 2023 Six Nations, where a top three placing enabled us to qualify for the top tier WXV1 tournament.

“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.”

The Six Nations starts in March and the WRU plan to have a new boss at the helm for a competition that is vital in its own right and in building towards the World Cup.

“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,” said WRU chief executive Abi Tierney.

“We are in the early stages of professionalism in the senior women’s game, there are challenges which we are addressing with determination and vigour, but our dedication to this integral part of our game is unwavering.

“The women’s and girls’ game remains a priority for Welsh rugby and is a key part of our new strategy for the game in Wales.”

The WRU instigated a review into contract negotiations with the women’s squad in August and has considered a first draft. The final draft will be published after the players and other contributors have commented.