Callender and Thomas awarded full-time Wales contracts

Tenacious back-row Alex Callender and prop Caryl Thomas have signed a full-time Welsh Rugby Union contracts in the build-up to this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Callender, who scooped the Players’ Player of the Season award at Warriors’ end of season dinner, and Thomas are two of 17 players to have been added to the list of those who have already earned a full-time contract.

They join fellow Warriors Carys Phillips and Ffion Lewis in inking full-time forms at an exciting time for women’s rugby in Wales.

Additional players are also training with the squad on a full-time basis with the support of their employees including Warriors’ Sioned Harries

63-times capped Harries has been given permission by Ysol Gymraeg Bro Dur to train full-time from this week.

Head Coach Ioan Cunningham has committed to leading the programme has Head Coach up to and including 2025 Rugby World Cup.

“It’s an exciting time for professional women’s rugby in Wales,” said WRU Performance Director Nigel Walker.

“The initial investment of contracts made an immediate difference to the standards and results of the side in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations and this further investment in players and staff will help to give Wales the best chance of performing with distinction at the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.”

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