Spence as Wales Women coaching intern for Rugby World Cup 2021

Wales Women confirm former Irish international Sophie Spence for new coaching intern

The rugby World Cup 2021is set to take place from 18th September to 16th October.

The World Rugby have announced former Ireland international WRU Player to Coach Programme candidate, Spence, will become a part of Wales management team.

She will join new appointment head coach, Warren Abrahams and skills coach Rachel Taylor, to try to get Wales to the top.

“Excitement is building with less than 10 months to go and the pools now decided for Rugby World Cup 2021. We want to wish Sophie and the newly-appointed Wales coaching team, Warren Abrahams and Rachel Taylor, all the best as Wales prepares to compete in the ninth edition of the tournament.” - World Rugby General Manager for Women’s Rugby Katie Sadleir.

Spence spoke on the topic:

“This is a great initiative by World Rugby, not only for rugby but for women in sport and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in as we work towards the Rugby World Cup next year. Wales Women have a really inspiring new coaching set-up and I’m pleased to be starting alongside them at the beginning of their journey.

“I’ve met the management team and I can see what path Warren has planned. I’ve been watching some Allianz 15s clips which is a brilliant standard of rugby but it will be good to meet the players and get started. I’m keen to be as involved as possible. I’m looking forward to learning from Warren, and Rachel, who I’ve played with for the Barbarians. I’ll observe and I’ll also deliver whenever I’m needed as part of the team.

“We have an exciting Rugby World Cup draw. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to play New Zealand in their own back yard and with Australia also in the pool, the focus will surely be all on those teams, which is great for us. We can work hard, focus on ourselves and show up as prepared as possible.”