CARDIFF — Rhian Wilkinson agreed to stay on as head coach of Wales until 2029, extending her commitment to the national women’s team through the next two major tournament cycles. The decision follows her initial appointment in February 2024 after Gemma Grainger’s resignation and comes after she led Wales to qualification for Euro 2025—the nation’s first-ever major women’s tournament.
Wales secured their historic Euro 2025 berth by defeating the Republic of Ireland in a play-off final. Although the team did not achieve the desired results at the tournament, midfielder Mia Ross expressed strong support for Wilkinson’s leadership. "I think she's been great since she's come in," Ross said. "She took the girls to the Euros. Obviously we didn't get the results we wanted but I think that we just keep progressing and progressing, and I think she's the person and the type of manager to keep us pushing forwards 100%."
Wilkinson’s extended tenure aligns with Wales’ ambition to reach their first Women’s World Cup in 2027. Currently competing in League B of the UEFA Women's Nations League, Wales must navigate play-offs for World Cup qualification, with the winner of Group B1 earning a more favorable route. "I don't think this project is finished," Wilkinson said. "That doesn't mean that I'm going to be the one who gets us to the next World Cup or does something amazing next. I just feel like I can help raise the level another notch before the next coach comes in and drives [Wales] forward again."
Wales’ squad for the April 2026 qualifiers against Albania included 11 players under the age of 23. Wilkinson has regularly included young players such as Manchester United defender Scarlett Hill and Bournemouth midfielder Elena Cole in the Wales squad. "I come from a youth background and I believe in trying to give opportunity to the younger players and to make space for them to do that," Wilkinson said. "But equally I think success is measured by wins and losses. We know that and we've got a pretty exciting campaign we're right in the middle of with some really important games around the corner."
Wales’ June 2026 fixtures will be their first since Wilkinson signed the two-year extension. The team is rebuilding after the international retirements of former captain Jess Fishlock and Kayleigh Barton. Charlton Athletic’s Mia Ross, who made her Wales debut in October 2025 and has earned five caps, remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory under Wilkinson’s guidance.
No independent assessment of Rhian Wilkinson’s claims was available.