Wales now among ‘best paid women’s teams’ in worldpublished at 12:24 British Summer Time
HT: Australia 10-5 Wales
Today’s game comes on the back of a major announcement by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) who have agreed 37 new full-time contracts for Wales players.
The governing body says the deal 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 Keira 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.
