Moore appointed head of women's rugby in Wales

The former chief executive of Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), Belinda Moore, has been tasked with helping to transform the game in Wales.

Moore has been appointed the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) head of women's rugby, a high profile new post.

She will take on the role initially on a nine-month interim basis before helping to appoint a permanent successor.

Moore will work closely with Wales women's new head coach, who is due to be announced in coming days after Ioan Cunningham's departure.

Her other responsibilities include improving the pathway into professional rugby, player contracts and preparing for the Rugby World Cup which kicks off in August.

"This is a hugely exciting time to be joining Welsh rugby and for the women and girls' game in particular," said Moore.

"The senior game in Wales has been professional for just three short years and is progressing and advancing at an exponential rate.

"These swift advancements of course come with their own teething problems and my eyes are wide open in terms of the challenge ahead, but I am hugely optimistic about what can be achieved.

"The rate of growth of the game is there for all to see, with a Six Nations clash with England at Principality Stadium later this year which is set to break new records for attendance at a home international which is a hugely symbolic sign of that growth.

"Our task and challenge is to harness this growth and maximise the potential of the women and girls' game across the country."

Moore, the wife of former England hooker Brian Moore, is a significant appointment to the WRU high performance team.

She oversaw the transition from the English women's domestic league being owned by the Rugby Football Union to becoming an independent company.

She also secured the PWR's current broadcast deal with TNT Sports.

Her resignation came as a surprise and she has her work cut out in her new role given the turbulent year Wales women had on and off the pitch in 2024.

Wales finished bottom of the Women's Six Nations and only managed one win against Japan in WXV2.

This was played out amid a bitter dispute between the WRU and players over professional contracts which led to an independent review and an apology to the players.

Moore's appointment is one of the key recommendations in the review.

The WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says appointing a head of women's rugby has been a "key priority".

"We are delighted to have secured the services of someone of the calibre, gravitas and directly relevant senior experience of Belinda Moore," she said.

"This role will be the cornerstone of all the progress we make in the women and girls' game in Wales over the next five years as we implement our 'One Wales' strategy through to 2029."

Moore begins her role immediately and will report to the WRU's new Director of Rugby, a role currently filled by Performance Director Huw Bevan.

Bevan took over from Nigel Walker, who resigned before Christmas.