Caroline Spanton was yesterday appointed manager of the Welsh national women’s team by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Spanton is currently the head of sport of Hockey Wales where she has changed the culture, philosophy and growth of the women’s games. She has also in the past chaired the Welsh Rowing board of directors.

As well as leading the national team, Spanton will spearhead the development of all levels of women’s and girls’ rugby, up to and including the national team, and create a greater equality of opportunity within rugby.

She said: “Rugby is the national sport of Wales and I’m thrilled to be joining the Union at such an exciting time for women’s sport.

“It’s important to create good role models for women’s sport and achieving excellence at the elite end of the game will be key to that. In addition, my career to date has always had a particular emphasis on community sport — developing, motivating and empowering people and fostering an inclusive sporting environment, and I hope to bring some of that experience to rugby.”

WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey added: “Caroline’s appointment and the importance we are giving to the role is key to our strategy as a rugby department.

“Caroline will be an ambassador for the women’s game in Wales, on an international level, and raising the profile of the game is an important factor in growing women’s rugby here.

“She will be working with clubs, schools, colleges and universities, promoting the health and social benefits of rugby, in all formats and increasing the involvement of women and girls in every aspect of the game by implementing the necessary structures.

“Caroline has personal experience of elite sport but also has a proven track record in sport development, increasing participation levels, working through culture change and improving standards in performance.”

Spanton will take charge of the team from January 5 2015.