By Lucy Rees

Following the announcement in November last year, the WRU has named the nine women on the brand new retainer contracts for the next 12 months.

The announcement follows the 12 full-time contracts given out last week, and the WRU are yet to name up to six more players on retainer contracts.

Given the turmoil the women’s side of the WRU has been in over the last few years, this is a “huge positive” and a step in the right direction for the organisation.

Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said, “These players are a vital addition to our performance programme. Some of them were very close to being offered full-time contracts, and all made a huge contribution to our autumn campaign, both on the pitch and in the training environment so are all deserving of this chance.

📢9⃣ #WalesWomen players handed retainer contracts, more to follow in coming weeks
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FULL STORY https://t.co/obmWqapUzs pic.twitter.com/zwtcfhs6lm

— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 19, 2022

“Ultimately, the retainer contracts provide an opportunity to have more contact time with more players which will be a huge positive. It gives the players the ability to learn more about the game, to complete more training sessions, improve their strength and fitness along with other areas that will contribute towards the team’s performance.

“We feel we have the right model in the interests of our programme while enabling players on retainer contracts to meet their work commitments. It’s an opportunity for players to develop individually while challenging each other.

“We are pleased with the relationships we are building with the Allianz Premier 15s clubs, we are managing their training and playing plans with player welfare front of mind for all of us.”

Cunningham says there are still opportunities for players to push for Retainer Contracts.

MEET THE PLAYERS ! Get to know the first full-time #WalesWomen players announced earlier today
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— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 12, 2022

“There are two training camps in the next few weeks, so the opportunity is certainly there for other players to impress and earn a Retainer Contract. There are players we want to see in our environment and these camps will enable us to do that.”

Forwards Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Kat Evans, Cerys Hale, Abbie Fleming and Bethan Lewis, along with backs Kerin Lake, Caitlin Lewis and Niamh Terry, will train alongside the 12 full-time players between one and three days a week.

Wales Women Retainer Contracts:

Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Georgia Evans (Saracens)

Kat Evans (Saracens)

Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Abbie Fleming (Exeter Chiefs)

Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Bethan Lewis (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Caitlin Lewis (Exeter Chiefs)

Niamh Terry (Exeter Chiefs)