Rhian Wilkinson signs contract extension as Cymru Head Coach

The Football Association of Wales are delighted to confirm that Cymru Women’s National Team Head Coach Rhian Wilkinson has signed a two-year contract extension.

The extension will see Wilkinson leading the team through the 2027 UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 campaign.

Wilkinson, who was appointed manager in February 2024, guided Cymru to their first ever women’s major tournament when they qualified for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 during her first year in charge.

After topping their qualifying group, Cymru made history during a special night in Dublin, beating the Republic of Ireland in front of over 25,000 fans at the Aviva Stadium to reach the finals tournament where they faced the Netherlands, France and England in Switzerland.

The contract extension comes following a positive start to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
qualifying campaign. Cymru, who currently sit second in Group B1 on goal difference, face
Montenegro in Podgorica (Friday 5 June) and Czechia at the Cardiff City Stadium (Tuesday 9 June) for the final matches of the group stage.

Speaking about the contract extension, Wilkinson said: “I’m incredibly proud and privileged to have the role of Cymru Head Coach, and I’m very excited to take this team further on its journey. We have a special group of players that deserve to be in major tournaments, as well as future stars that will be at a key moment in their development over the next few years.”

“I’m excited for the Red Wall to see the team develop even further over the next few years and I
would like to thank the FAW for giving me the opportunity to continue my work.”

The FAW’s Chief Football Officer, Dr. David Adams said; “We are very excited to share the news that Rhian’s contract has been extended.”

“Rhian’s work has delivered success for our National Team in recent years and her role, along with other Head Coaches across the National Team pathway, will work to ensure successful transition of youth players into the Women’s National Team across the next 2-4 year cycle.”

Noel Mooney, the FAW’s Chief Executive, also expressed his delight at the news. “I am thrilled that Rhian has agreed to extend her time at the FAW as the Cymru Women’s National Team Head Coach.”

“After the success in recent years, we now look forward to seeing how Rhian and the team develop further as we aim to reach more major tournaments and grow the Women’s and Girls’ game in Wales.”

Tickets are available to purchase for Cymru’s home match against Czechia on the FAW ticketing website, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children, with discounts available for Red Wall members.