The first full-time Wales Women players have been contracted by the Welsh Rugby Union. 12 players have accepted contracts – two more than originally announced.
The first full-time players: Forwards: Alisha Butchers, Natalia John, Siwan Lillicrap, Carys Phillips, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose
Backs: Kiera Bevan, Hannah Jones, Jasmine Joyce, Ffion Lewis, Lisa Neumann, Elinor Snowsill
WRU Chief Executive labelled it a “proud day” for the governing body.
He said: “This is the start of an exciting journey for women and girls in Wales.”
Wales Women's Head Coach Ioan Cunningham said: “It's been a tough but enjoyable process. Credit to all the players who have given us selection headaches. We are all now super excited to get the programme started.
“Talent and ability was the first element in our selection process and then the potential growth of the individual player along with their attitude.”
On the tough task of player selection, Cunningham said: “We had to be fairly clinical and even ruthless. We clearly have short and medium term goals in terms of the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup but we also have an eye on developing the best players for the future of Welsh rugby”.
WRU Performance Director Nigel Walker said: “The historic awarding of 12 full-time contracts will enable all these players to be full-time professionals and have regular, weekly contact with head coach Ioan Cunningham, the rest of the coaches and our expert science and medical team.
“All of this will make a significant difference to the players' preparation, fitness and skill sets in order to enable us to challenge the best teams in the world.”
