Nine Wales Women players have been handed retainer contracts and joined the WRU's performance programme.
Last week, the WRU announced Welsh rugby's first full-time players.
Wales and Lions legend Shane Williams wrote in his column: “The 12 full-time pros and 15 others on retainers should help to dramatically change the game in Wales. While it is an important step for the players themselves, it is also a statement of intent for the women's game as a whole and will provide future generations with something tangible to aim at.”
The retainer contracted players will train alongside the 12 full-time players between one and three days a week. Over the coming weeks, up to six more players may be added on retainer contracts.
The Wales Women retainer contracted players are:
Forwards: Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Kat Evans (Saracens), Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury), Abbie Fleming (Exeter Chiefs) and Bethan Lewis (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Backs: Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury), Caitlin Lewis (Exeter Chiefs) and Niamh Terry (Exeter Chiefs)
Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said: “These players are a vital addition to our performance programme. Some of them were very close to being offered full-time contracts, and all made a huge contribution to our autumn campaign, both on the pitch and in the training environment so are all deserving of this chance.
“Ultimately, the retainer contracts provide an opportunity to have more contact time with more players which will be a huge positive. It gives the players the ability to learn more about the game, to complete more training sessions, improve their strength and fitness along with other areas that will contribute towards the team's performance.
“We feel we have the right model in the interests of our programme while enabling players on retainer contracts to meet their work commitments. It's an opportunity for players to develop individually while challenging each other.
“We are pleased with the relationships we are building with the Allianz Premier 15s clubs, we are managing their training and playing plans with player welfare front of mind for all of us.”
Cunningham insists that there are still opportunities for more players to push for Retainer Contracts.
“There are two training camps in the next few weeks, so the opportunity is certainly there for other players to impress and earn a Retainer Contract. There are players we want to see in our environment and these camps will enable us to do that.”
