Wales Women’s Head Coach Likely to Depart Amid Contract Controversy
In a move that comes as little surprise, Ioan Cunningham is expected to step down as the head coach of the Wales national women’s rugby union team following the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) much-criticized handling of new player contracts.
Cunningham, who previously served as the men’s Wales U20 boss and a forwards coach with the Scarlets, has led the women’s side since 2021. However, sources within the WRU have indicated that while his departure has not been officially confirmed, all signs point to Cunningham becoming the first employee to face consequences for the organization’s chaotic contract negotiations with its female players.
Earlier this year, the Welsh women’s players signed new professional deals, but the process was marred by allegations that they were threatened with disciplinary action and being withdrawn from tournaments if they did not agree to the terms within a tight three-hour deadline set by WRU executive director of rugby Nigel Walker. The resulting stress left some players feeling “emotionally unwell,” coinciding with a poor run of results on the pitch.
“The contractual saga has been ‘reputationally damaging’ for the WRU, which was still recovering from past issues of sexism and misogyny that had led to the departure of former chief executive Steve Phillips.”
The WRU has initiated a comprehensive review of the negotiation process, the findings of which are expected to be published later this month. However, it appears that the organization’s leadership, including chief executive Abi Tierney and chairman Richard Collier-Keywood, are poised to act by removing Cunningham from his role. Nigel Walker’s future also remains uncertain after the WRU held a board meeting on Tuesday.
Tierney has announced a £6 million increase in funding for women’s rugby, bringing the total commitment to £26 million over the next five years.
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