Photo via BBC Sport

Women's rugby not to blame for region axe - WRU

WRU executive member Griffiths, who began her role in June, is focused on increasing visibility across all levels of the women's sport, spanning grassroots, developmental pipelines, and the national setup. Her efforts face headwinds from the senior side's ongoing slump, marked by a winless streak spanning nine international fixtures and a drop to a record-worst 13th spot in the global standings.

Griffiths acknowledged that match outcomes are vital and described the upcoming WXV tournament as an essential gauge of development, with Wales scheduled to face three higher-ranked opponents. The schedule begins Friday against South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park, followed eight days later by a meeting with the United States at the same ground, before the team heads to Japan for two fixtures in October.

Stressing that sustained success requires gradual structural development rather than instant turnarounds, the former international highlighted promising displays from the under-18 and under-21 squads as proof of progress. National head coach Sean Lynn has reinforced that developmental focus by calling up eight uncapped players for the WXV tournament, a move Griffiths views as evidence that talent pathways are functioning effectively to foster internal competition and eventual victories.