Phillips confirms Wales Women coaching team

Wales Women head coach Rowland Phillips has confirmed his coaching team ahead of the upcoming autumn series.

Backs coach Gareth Wyatt, the former wing/fullback capped by Wales at all levels, continues in the position he first took up during this year’s Women’s Six Nations. Meanwhile, Phillips has a new recruit as forwards coach in former Ospreys, Dragons and Wales U20 hooker Hugh Gustafson.

“Gareth and Hugh are both rugby people, and while both have played to a high level they’ve also made great inroads into coaching, so they understand the environment we’re creating for the team,” explained Phillips.

Wyatt will leave a similar role he has held at Pontypridd, where he became a household name thanks to his try-scoring prowess, while Gustafson is currently academy skills coach at Ospreys, forwards coach for Swansea and head coach of Swansea University.

Phillips said: “They’re very in tune with how the women’s game is developing in Wales, and they’ve got a clear, detailed approach to the international game which will serve the women’s programme well going forward.

“Hugh has shown a lot of promise already, making a smooth transition from playing to coaching via the Principality Premiership, BUCS and Regional Age Grade pathways, so it’s an exciting move for him.”

On Wyatt’s continued involvement, after making a positive impression in his first spell with Wales Women earlier this year, Phillips said: “Gareth’s already worked with us through last year’s Women’s Six Nations, where he had an immediate positive impact. His involvement reinforces how women’s rugby is a viable coaching pathway.”