The Welsh FA have announced Rhian Wilkinson as the new manager of the Wales women’s team on a three-year deal.
Rhian Wilkinson joins after former manager Gemma Grainger left to manage Norway in January.
President of the Welsh FA Steve Williams said: “I am thrilled to welcome Rhian to the FAW as the Women’s National Team Head Coach.
“After the growth of the team in recent years, we now look forward to seeing that progress even further, as the team aims to put Wales on the world stage with major tournament qualification for the first time.”
The 41-year-old played 181 games for Canada before retiring as a player in 2017.
Wilkinson signs after leaving Portland Thorns last year
Her managerial career began in-charge of the U17 and U20 Canadian women’s teams before serving as assistant manager for Canada, England and Team GB.
The Canadian became manager at National Women’s Soccer League side Portland Thorns in 2021.
The club saw almost instant success under the new manager as they were crowned NWSL champions in 2022 for the third time in their 12-year history.
Wilkinson announced her decision to leave the Thorns in December of that year however following an investigation into her conduct.
Her appointment as Wales manager is her first managerial job since departing Portland.
Embed from Getty ImagesWilkinson departed the Portland Thorns in December 2022.
Wilkinson to attend Ireland friendly on Tuesday
Wales take on Ireland in a friendly on Tuesday evening at Tallaght Stadium.
The match will be Wales’ first since appointing Wilkinson, but the new manager will not take charge of the side due to the timing of the announcement.
Wilkinson will however be in charge ahead of qualifying for the European Championships in 2025 which is set to start in April.
Wales will find out their qualifying opponents on March 5th.
The side failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in Australia after losing 2-1 to Switzerland in the Play-Off final in October 2022.
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