Wales Rugby League women’s head coach Craig Taylor has resigned from his role due to a change in his personal commitments.

The 45-year old was the side’s first ever head coach, taking charge for two matches in 2019, the second being Wales Women’s first ever win, an historic 24-20 win over England Community Lions in St Helens.

Due to Covid-19, there have been no internationals for Wales at any level in 2020, and with the 2021 Emerging Nations World Cup, a tournament in which Wales were going to participate in, being called off due to the uncertainty of the virus, Taylor has decided to step down now to allow a new head coach to lead Wales to the next World Cup.

Taylor said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I am stepping down as head coach. I was hoping to bow out after the Emerging Nations World Cup, but as that isn’t happening now, this I feel is the right time to step down due to a change in commitments for me in 2021.

“With this timed for today, Wales RL can move on positively with a new coach to lead them to 2025 Rugby League World Cup.

“I was immensely proud to lead the first ever Wales Women’s international rugby league team and I’d like to thank everyone involved so much for their effort.

“I was proud to coach a special group who have formed a strong bond. I will never forget the weekend in 2019 when we made history by beating the English. Good luck to the side and all at Wales RL for the future.”

Wales Rugby League CEO Gareth Kear said: “I have huge respect for positive culture that Craig has created within our Women’s National team. His will tenure will go down in history for leading us to our first ever victory. The search for a new head coach starts today as we build towards our first ever full Test match with England in 2021 who are currently ranked third in the world.”

Wales Rugby League are now advertising for a new head coach to take over from Craig Taylor in 2021. Please click here for more details.