By Gareth James

Sean Lynn has insisted he will focus on “setting the right environment” after being named the new head coach of the Wales women’s rugby team.

The Welshman, who guided Gloucester-Hartpury to consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby championships in 2023 and 2024, takes over from Ioan Cunningham.

Cunningham stepped down in November, followed by Nigel Walker’s resignation as the Welsh Rugby Union’s director of rugby shortly before Christmas.

These departures occurred after a challenging period last year when the WRU faced significant criticism for its handling of contract negotiations with its leading female players, which have since been resolved.

The WRU is proud to announce the appointment of Sean Lynn as the new Head coach for the Wales Women’s senior side. #WelshRugby pic.twitter.com/cToTe6dwKu

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 20, 2025

Lynn, who has signed a three-year deal, will transition fully to the Wales role ahead of the Six Nations. In the meantime, he will see out the current PWR season with Gloucester-Hartpury, which concludes in March.

“I am all about setting the right environment,” Lynn stated during a press conference at the Principality Stadium.

“That is why I set the tone this morning with the player group and the staff. That’s the piece where we all need to be aligned.

“Look, this is a real, strong rugby nation. I was brought up coming to the Principality (Stadium), and I really want to make that impact in the international arena.

“I feel there is massive talent there. The girls who are shining lights in the PWR, we are very lucky that we have them playing for Wales, and I am really excited to make sure they can gel.”

Lynn’s appointment follows the hiring of former PWR chief executive Belinda Moore, who has taken on the newly established role of head of women’s rugby for the WRU.

Strong approval from former Wales prop @CerysRhiannon for incoming Wales head coach Sean Lynn #BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/U6VwiVXK71

— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) January 20, 2025

The head of women’s rugby position was one of several recommendations from a strategic review of the women’s game in Wales.

Wales will kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on March 22, followed by the Rugby World Cup in England later in the year. They face a challenging pool stage against Scotland, Canada, and Fiji in August and September.

The Welsh team endured a tough 2024, ending the Six Nations in last place, winning just four out of 11 Tests, and currently holding the 10th spot in the world rankings.

Lynn remarked: “I am Welsh and I’m coming home, and you don’t need me to tell you what this means to me.

“We have a Six Nations campaign and Rugby World Cup to prepare for in what promises to be the biggest year in the history of women’s rugby.

“We have work to do, but having coached – and coached against – the Welsh internationals in England, I know we have the players to make the nation proud.”

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney commented: “Sean Lynn’s appointment underlines the importance of how we want the Wales women’s senior national side to progress.

“His ability as a coach is second to none, as he has proved with two back-to-back titles in the PWR.

“I am delighted he has accepted the role. He was the outstanding candidate among a field of high-calibre applicants who recognised what a prestigious and important role it is to be the Wales head coach.”