Wales head into the women’s Six Nations with coach Rowland Phillips still “on a break” and it being unclear if they have a head honcho.
The dual code international mysteriously disappeared off the radar after naming his squad for last autumn’s five matches.
Former back-rower Phillips’ assistant Gareth Wyatt and WRU staff coaches Chris Horsman and Geraint Lewis took charge for the clashes with Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Crawshays and the Barbarians.
Wales went down to Spain and the Barbarians with arguably their two best players, world-rated No.8 Sioned Harries and captain Carys Phillips, the daughter of Rowland Phillips, falling out of favour.
The WRU has never given a detailed explanation for the absence of Rowland Phillips, who is still on its pay-roll, other than to say he was on a break while he has declined to comment.
It's uncertain whether he will return as women's head coach.
Wales name their squad for the Six Nations on Monday morning but it’s unknown who will represent them at it or as head coach at the tournament’s official launch later this month.
Union sources have claimed WRU performance director Ryan Jones, the former Wales captain who switched roles from community chief in a job swap with Geraint John, has raised eye-brows by questioning whether the women need a head coach.
When the squad was announced for the autumn campaign, Jones said: “Now that the international women’s programme is part of the performance department, there is a different way of working.
“There is a greater sharing of resources, knowledge and support for the women’s performance programme in all areas including coaching, conditioning, sport science, nutrition, analysis as well as additional psychological and medical advice.
“That’s good for the women’s game – and vice versa. Expectations are also higher which is helping to increase standards and competition within the squad.”
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