Wakley to leave women’s sevens role

Wales Women Sevens head coach Nick Wakley will be leaving his role at the end of the month.

Wakley joined the women’s programme in 2016 following a spell as Ebbw Vale backs coach, having previously featured as a player for the Steelmen and Wales Sevens. Most recently, he oversaw Team Wales women’s sevens at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, and is currently preparing the team for its first ever World Series tournament in Paris next weekend, which will be his final involvement as coach.

His two years in the position – which dovetailed with his role as backs coach for the international 15s side – have seen success and growth on and off the field. In that time, Wales Women have increased their participation in top-level tournaments, including Rugby Europe, World Series qualifiers and an invitational win in Dubai. Wakley said he will be departing with a heavy heart.

“It has been a tough decision to step down from my role with Wales Women,” he said.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time here. It’s been an amazing experience coaching these talented women. You will not meet a more committed, dedicated and proud group of people.

“For two years I’ve tested that commitment with early-morning rugby and fitness sessions, numerous evenings and weekend camps. It’s been a huge rollercoaster and I feel I’m a better coach for it.

I’ve been very lucky to be in an environment where I’ve been able to be innovative and challenge myself and bounce ideas off some great coaches and top management.”

Having been part of Rowland Phillip’s coaching staff which helped Wales Women gain automatic qualification for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Wakley will now look to take on a new challenge in his coaching career – but added that the future is bright for women’s rugby in Wales.

“There is a very exciting crop of youngsters coming through,” he said, “and I’ll be watching their development with great interest.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union and all the staff, especially Rowland Phillips and Hannah John [Team Manager], and all the players for their support during this fantastic period of my coaching career.” Geraint John, Head of Rugby Performance, said:

“I wish Nick all the best in his future coaching career and I am sure he will be successful. He has worked extremely well with the players and has developed the sevens programme and its popularity amongst female players in Wales.

“Moving forward, and to help in the continuity of the programme, Jonathan Hooper – who has been supporting Nick and working alongside him – will take over for the Rugby Europe campaign while we continue to work on our Women’s Strategy