Belinda Moore has been appointed head of women’s rugby for the Welsh Rugby Union.
A new starring role was one of the recommendations in a strategic review of the Welsh women’s game.
It follows a turbulent period last year in which the WRU came under heavy criticism for the way it handled contract negotiations for its top female players, which have now been completed.
Manager Ioan Cunningham left in November and Nigel Walker resigned as WRU’s executive director of rugby just before Christmas.
Moore, the former CEO of Premiership Women’s Rugby, will take charge immediately on an interim basis for the first nine months before helping to appoint a successor, before the role is filled permanently.
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Key responsibilities include working on the WRU system, structure and pathways into the professional game, preparations for the 2025 World Cup, player contracts and culture with the senior women’s team.
Meanwhile, a new senior women’s coach is expected to be appointed soon.
“The senior game in Wales is only three years into the professional game and is developing and developing at an exponential rate,” Moore said in a WRU statement.
“Of course, such rapid progress has its own serious problems. We have our eyes wide open for the challenges ahead, but we are very optimistic about what can be achieved.
“The pace at which the game is growing is visible for all to see. Later this year, the Principality Stadium will host England in the Six Nations, which is set to break attendance records for home internationals.”
WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney added: “Appointing a head of women’s rugby has been a top priority for us and we are delighted to have secured the services of someone of Belinda Moore’s caliber, gravitas and directly relevant senior experience.
“This role will be the cornerstone of all the progress we make across the women’s and girls’ game in Wales over the next five years.”
