Wilkinson Aims to Build Lasting Legacy with Wales
Rhian Wilkinson has served as the head coach of the Wales women's national football team since February 2024. She recently extended her contract, citing unfinished business in the role and a desire to establish Wales as consistent contenders in major international tournaments.
Wilkinson emphasizes that her objectives extend beyond the upcoming Women's World Cup in 2027 and the 2029 European Championship. Her ambition is to leave a legacy that ensures Wales regularly competes at the highest level.
Wales are currently pursuing qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, with upcoming qualifiers against Montenegro in Podgorica on Friday, 5 June, followed by a match against the Czech Republic in Cardiff four days later. These fixtures mark the team's first outings since Wilkinson agreed to a two-year contract extension.
The 44-year-old coach reflects on her tenure, describing it as "much harder" but also "much better" than anticipated. She is enthusiastic about the prospect of leading the team until 2029.
"I sat down with my family and we looked at the different options for the next few years of my career and to be honest none of them felt right," Wilkinson said.
"I don't think this project is finished.
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.
That is what the job is of the coach is, to continually drive the team forward, and I don't think I'm finished with that project."
Squad Updates and Leadership
Recent squad announcements include players such as Clark, Holland, and Hughes. Wilkinson has been recognized as a "strong leader" and is expected to continue growing in her role following the contract extension.
Qualification and Squad Depth
Wilkinson was appointed head coach following Gemma Grainger's unexpected resignation in February 2024. She quickly led Wales to qualification for Euro 2025, marking the nation's first appearance in a major women's tournament.
Wales now aim for their first Women's World Cup appearance, though the path remains challenging with up to three play-off rounds following the group stage next month.
Former Wales captain and coach Kath Morgan suggested that Wilkinson's tenure would be "judged on qualification," but Wilkinson offers a broader perspective.
"I just think we put a lot of emphasis on [qualifying] and we do as a team - internally and externally we've been very clear with our ambition," she explained.
"But what is our gauge of success and failure?
How as a staffing team do we make sure that the legacy of our time working for this programme is that we're leaving it in a really healthy environment where this team doesn't name itself, where we've got depth and different options in every position across the field?
If we can do that well, we will qualify for major tournaments."
Following Euro 2025, Wales' star player Jess Fishlock retired from international football.
Wilkinson notes that the squad for the recent two wins over Albania in April included 11 players under the age of 23. With veterans like Fishlock and Kayleigh Barton retired, and others nearing the end of their careers, the team is increasingly relying on younger talent.
The coach has consistently integrated young players into the squad, including Manchester United defender Scarlett Hill and Bournemouth midfielder Elena Cole, who will seek to make an impact during the June camp.
While developing future regulars is a significant part of her role, Wilkinson stresses that it is not the sole priority.
"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," she 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."
