Wales boss Wilkinson signs contract extension

Breaking news from the world of sport: Wales boss Wilkinson signs contract extensionImage source, FAWImage caption, Rhian Wilkinson's Wales are unbeaten in their past six gamesByGareth VincentBBC Sport WalesPublished1 hour agoWales head coach Rhian Wilkinson has signed a two-year contract extension which will keep her in the role until 2029. Wilkinson's previous deal was due to expire after next year's Women's World Cup, but she will now be at the helm for the 2027 Nations League campaign and qualifying for Euro 2029. The 44-year-old, who was appointed in 2024, led Wales to the 2025 European Championship, the first women's major tournament in the nation's history.

Wilkinson's team have also made a promising start to their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign, sitting second in their group on goal difference with two games remaining. "I'm very excited to take this team further on its journey," Wilkinson said. "We have a special group of players that deserve to be in major tournaments, as well as future stars that will be at a key moment in their development over the next few years.

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"Wilkinson added that she was excited by the prospect of Wales developing "even further over the next few years" as she thanked the Football Association of Wales (FAW) for giving her the chance to "continue my work". Having been named successor to Gemma Grainger in February 2024, former Canada international Wilkinson steered Wales to Euro 2025 courtesy of a memorable play-off final triumph against the Republic of Ireland. Lessons to be learned as Wales chase top spot Published19 AprilWales midfielder Griffiths quits professional game at 25 Published11 MayWales then suffered three group stage defeats at the tournament, which was part of a painful 12-game winless streak last year.

But having ended that run by beating Switzerland in a friendly last December, Wales have taken 10 points from their first four World Cup qualifiers. They complete the group stage with a trip to Montenegro on 5 June and a game against the Czech Republic – who currently occupy top spot – in Cardiff four days later. There is no automatic qualification route available to Wales because they are in League B, but finishing first would mean a more favourable play-off path as Wilkinson's side bid for a place at next year's tournament in Brazil.

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said he was "thrilled" that Wilkinson has extended her spell as Wales boss. "After the success in recent years, we now look forward to seeing how Rhian and the team develop further as we aim to reach more major tournaments and grow the women's and girls' game in Wales," Mooney added.

Clubs and federations are monitoring the development, which could have lasting consequences.