WRU allegedly threatened Wales with Women’s World Cup withdrawal amid contract talks

The first ever professional contracts were signed by the women’s team at the start of 2022, with Wales making huge strides on the pitch, finishing third in the 2022 and 2023 Women’s Six Nations.

But coinciding with the contract talks, 2024 has seen a significant slump in form, with Wales finishing bottom in the championship.

Players brought in the Women’s Rugby Association (WRA) in January to represent them, with issues including pay and a performance-based maternity policy among their requests.

The WRA confirmed the Telegraph’s revelations saying the “girls were in pieces”, with the negotiations affecting their health.