Wales appoint first full-time female coach

Rachel Taylor has become the first full-time coach for the Wales women's team ever appointed by the Wales Rugby Union. The former captain becomes skills coach under new head coach Warren Abrahams.

The pair will start with immediate effect with less than a year until the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. "Having been to three Rugby World Cups as a player, I saw how much the competition developed each time," Taylor said.

"It's the pinnacle of women's international rugby and for these players to have the chance to compete in New Zealand will be amazing on several levels.

"I'm excited to work with Warren. I know he will challenge me as a coach and I believe my experience and skills will help to support his aims too."

Abrahams joins Wales following stints as part of the coaching staff of the USA and England Sevens programmes as well as experience in the English Premiership with Harlequins.

"It's my first international 15s head coach role at this level, but I feel I've seen, experienced and learned enough to create a high-performance environment that provides memorable experiences.

"We have around 38 weeks before we're due to get on a plane to New Zealand, which is not long, but in the current climate we have to cherish the time and resources we have as you never know what's in store."