Former Canadian footballer, Rhian Wilkinson, has been appointed as the new manager of the Wales women’s football team following the departure of former manager Gemma Grainger, who has taken up a new role leading the Norwegian team.
At 41 years of age, Wilkinson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having earned 183 caps during her career as a player and securing two Olympic bronze medals. She is set to assume the role under a three-year contract.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Wilkinson commented, “It is a tremendous honour to take on the position of Cymru head coach.” She emphasized her excitement at the prospect of leading the team and working towards their qualification for major international tournaments.
Wilkinson’s coaching history includes a successful stint as head coach for the Portland Thorns in the USA, where she guided the team to the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NSWL) Championship in her first season in charge. However, her tenure at Portland Thorns was cut short due to an alleged relationship with a player, prompting an investigation by the NWSL and the National Women’s Soccer League Player Association (NWSLPA). Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Wilkinson made the decision to step down from her position.
Before her time with the Thorns, Wilkinson served as the head coach for Canada’s under-17 and under-20 teams and worked as an assistant coach for England and Team GB in the 2021 Olympics, as well as for Canada in the 2019 World Cup.
With a Welsh mother and having lived in Wales during her childhood, Wilkinson has strong personal ties to the country. She spoke of her excitement to engage with Welsh culture and delve further into her roots as she assumes her new role.
The Welsh Football Association (FAW) has demonstrated confidence in Wilkinson’s leadership abilities, particularly as the team aims to secure their place in the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying matches. Addressing the significance of Wilkinson’s appointment, FAW chief football officer David Adams highlighted the potential for this to be a turning point for women’s football in Wales.
Amidst the anticipation for the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying draw, where Wales will learn their opponents, the FAW has expressed its eagerness to witness the team’s continued progress under Wilkinson’s guidance.
Ultimately, Rhian Wilkinson’s appointment as the new manager of the Wales women’s football team signals a new chapter for the team and presents an opportunity for the players to strive towards competing on the world stage. With her wealth of experience and dedication to the sport, Wilkinson is poised to lead the team towards future success.