Flower joins Wales coaching set-up before World Cup

Ben Flower will be part of Wales head coach Sean Lynn's backroom staff this summer

Former rugby league prop Ben Flower has been added to Wales women's coaching set-up.

The 37-year-old will take charge of the collision area as Wales prepare for a two-Test tour of Australia and the Rugby World Cup that follows in England.

Cardiff-born Flower was capped 17 times for Wales and played for Crusaders, Wigan Warriors and Leigh Centurions.

He won the Challenge Cup, three Super League titles and the World Club challenge.

During his time with Wigan, Flower received a six-month ban for hitting St Helens stand-off Lance Hohaia in the 2014 Super League Grand Final.

He became the first player to be sent off in a Grand Final, with his ban becoming the longest in the history of the Super League.

After retiring in 2021, Flower coached the South Wales Jets rugby league side and was part of Wales women's coaching team at the last World Cup in New Zealand.

"To have this chance to play a role as Wales prepare for a World Cup is an opportunity I am looking forward to," said Flower.

"Being involved with Wales is always a privilege."

Wales head coach Sean Lynn added: "Ben is someone who has worked with this squad of players before and the Women's Six Nations review highlighted the need to improve our collision work and dominance, both sides of the ball."