Wales problems go 'much higher up the chain' than Cunningham

Back row Sioned Harries won 78 caps for Wales

Ex-Wales back row Sioned Harries says the problems with the national women's team run far deeper than just blaming former boss Ioan Cunningham.

Cunningham resigned as Wales women head coach last week after a turbulent year on and off the pitch.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said Cunningham left by mutual agreement after three years in charge.

"It’s been a very difficult week and from a personal point of view Ioan is a good man, a good coach," Harries told S4C's Y Clwb Rygbi.

"I do think that the root of the problem goes much higher up the chain than Ioan and it’s very disappointing that he's gone.

"He had so much success with the women – took them through these contracts, third in the Six Nations, up to sixth in the world.

"So I think we have to dig a little deeper than just Ioan Cunningham."

Wales won just four times in 11 Tests in 2024, although this was to the backdrop of a wrangle over players' contract negotiations over the summer - with the WRU admitting serious failings in the way it handled the situation.