'Strong female leader' Wilkinson backed to break more ground

Image source, Getty Images

• Published53 minutes ago

Rhian Wilkinson has already made history as Wales head coach by leading the nation to a first women's major tournament.

Her new contract is evidence the Football Association of Wales (FAW) believe she can break more new ground in the future.

Wilkinson has always said there are more landmarks to reach after Wales' appearance at Euro 2025.

She will now get a crack at qualifying for the next European Championship, as well as next year's Women's World Cup, with former Wales international-turned pundit Nia Jones praising the contract extension as "great news".

"Wales have been on an upward trajectory for the last few years but she has been absolutely integral in turning a corner, turning what has been a team of nearly women essentially into achievers," said Jones.

"As the achievements have grown, the expectations have too.

"She has welcomed that and she has welcomed accountability, which to me is a great sign of a really strong female leader."

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Wilkinson was appointed in February 2024, six weeks after predecessor Gemma Grainger stood down to take charge of Norway.

Grainger had come within sight of ending Wales' wait for a first appearance at a women's major tournament, but her team lost out to Switzerland in the 2023 World Cup play-offs.

Wilkinson took charge of a squad who were in decent shape, even if they had just been relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after a difficult campaign in the autumn of 2023.

But after others had come close, it was Wilkinson who found a formula to carry Wales over the line in a qualification campaign.

Image source, FAW

Having come through their group unbeaten, Wilkinson's side won play-off ties against Slovakia and Republic of Ireland to seal their European Championship place.

The tournament itself was something of a disappointment, with a feeling that Wales did not do themselves justice as they suffered three heavy group defeats, albeit against high-class opponents.

The losses were part of a 12-game winless run during 2025, with Wilkinson acknowledging a "burden" had been lifted when they ended that painful sequence by beating Switzerland in a friendly last December.

Since then fortunes have improved, with Wales making an encouraging start to Women's World Cup qualifying.

'She will be judged on qualification'

Wales are second in Group B1 heading into next month's decisive games in Montenegro and at home to the Czech Republic, who are currently top on goal difference.

Overhauling the Czechs would gives them a more favourable play-off path later in the year but, even then, there will be significant hurdles to clear if they are to qualify for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Former Wales captain and coach Kath Morgan reckons Wilkinson's new deal suggests she has genuine belief her team can go all the way.

"She will be judged on qualification and she must be confident that Wales will qualify for the World Cup," added Morgan.

Brazil remains very much on the table, but Wilkinson suggested at the start of this campaign that Euro 2029 may be the more achievable target.

Having lost the inspirational Jess Fishlock - as well as another senior player, Kayleigh Barton - last autumn, Wales are in something of a rebuilding phase, with a sprinkling of youngsters look to establish themselves at international level.

Image source, FAW

Part of Wilkinson's job is to bring through players who will fill the holes left by Fishlock, Barton and the other senior figures who remain in the squad for now but cannot go on forever, such as Sophie Ingle, Rhiannon Roberts and Rachel Rowe.

Football Association of Wales chief football officer David Adams acknowledged as much as Wilkinson's new contract was announced.

"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 two to four-year cycle," he said.

Morgan says development must be the priority for Wilkinson, particularly given the shortage of Welsh players currently getting game-time at WSL level.

"I would hope her focus will be to ensure that the pathway for the next generation is being heavily invested in," Morgan added.

"My big concern is the strength of the pathway seems to be diminishing. There is a lack of players playing at the highest level and that must be a concern for Rhian Wilkinson as she tries to compete with the top nations."

Former defender Wilkinson won 183 Canada caps and two Olympic bronze medals during a stellar playing career in which she played at four World Cups.

But she has a Welsh mother - and spent time as a youngster in Wales - and was especially keen for baby daughter Rowan, who arrived in February, to be born in the country.

Jones says Wilkinson's connection with Wales has been a factor in the success she has had.

"I think her passion for her Welsh heritage comes through and she understands the importance of being visible as the head coach of the senior team," she added.

"I think she communicates brilliantly to the players, to the media and the fans as well.

"The way she incorporates a brilliant team spirit that existed long before she was there and has taken that into a new realm of standards on the pitch… It's exactly what Wales have needed and what they need to keep hold of."

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• Football
• Welsh Football
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