Is WRU Women's Boss Moore Making a Move to the ECB?

Belinda Moore will leave her role as head of women's and girls' rugby at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in March 2025 to take up a position as the growth director for The Hundred at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). During her tenure at the WRU, Moore aimed to enhance the women's game in Wales, despite challenges faced during the recent World Cup.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Belinda Moore's departure from the WRU marks a significant transition in the organisation's leadership for women's rugby. Appointed in January 2025, Moore's role was to spearhead the development of women's rugby in Wales, particularly following the WRU's independent review in 2024. Although the Welsh national team's performance in the recent World Cup was disappointing, Moore's contributions to the game have laid the groundwork for future success. She will remain with the WRU until March 2025, during which time she will assist in selecting her successor and continue negotiations regarding contracts for leading players.

Key takeaways

Belinda Moore will leave her WRU position in March 2025 to join the ECB.
She was appointed to enhance the women's rugby structure in Wales after an independent review.
Wales had a disappointing World Cup, failing to reach the quarter-finals.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading to Moore's departure:

January 2025: Belinda Moore is appointed as head of women's and girls' rugby at the WRU.
2024: An independent review of the WRU highlights the need for improvement in women's rugby.
2025: Moore's contract is extended until the end of the 2026 Women's Six Nations.
October 2025: Wales fails to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
March 2026: Moore is set to leave her role and assist in the search for her successor.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Belinda Moore's confirmed resignation from the WRU to join the ECB marks a pivotal change in leadership as the women's rugby programme seeks to build on recent developments. Her departure has been coupled with an ongoing commitment to find a suitable successor and ensure continuity in the programme.

What was already established

Moore was appointed to her role in January 2025, following the recommendations of a WRU independent review aimed at improving the women's game. Her tenure has been marked by initiatives to professionalise women's rugby and enhance the culture within the sport, despite the setbacks experienced during the recent World Cup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Households in Wales may feel the impact of Moore's departure as the women's rugby programme transitions to new leadership. The emphasis on developing young talent and creating pathways for women's rugby could influence local sports clubs and community engagement in the sport.

Businesses and jobs

Moore’s move to the ECB could potentially open new avenues for collaboration between cricket and rugby, which may benefit local businesses and jobs connected to sports development. Her experience in women's rugby may inform growth strategies at the ECB, fostering a more inclusive sports environment.

Policy and regulation

The WRU's ongoing efforts to professionalise women's rugby will be under scrutiny as new leadership takes the helm. Moore's successor will need to navigate existing policies while continuing to push for reforms that support the growth of women’s rugby in Wales.

Numbers that matter

2024: WRU's independent review calls for significant changes in women's rugby.
2025: Moore's initial contract was set until the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
2025: Wales women's team had the first early exit from the World Cup.
Record attendance for a Wales women’s match against England during the W6N.

Definitions and jargon buster

WRU: Welsh Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby union in Wales.
ECB: England and Wales Cricket Board, the governing body for cricket in England and Wales.
The Hundred: A professional franchise cricket tournament in England and Wales.
Celtic Challenge: A cross-border league involving teams from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus for the WRU will be to identify Moore's successor to ensure continuity in leadership and strategy. The WRU must also manage the ongoing negotiations regarding player contracts to maintain team stability.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the medium term, the WRU will need to implement any new strategies proposed by Moore's successor, which could involve adjustments to player development programmes and community outreach initiatives to further promote women's rugby.

Signals to watch

Announcement of Moore's successor and their vision for the future of women's rugby in Wales.
Updates on player contract negotiations and potential changes in the squad.
Performance of the Wales women's team in upcoming fixtures as they aim to rebuild after the World Cup.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay engaged with local women's rugby initiatives and support grassroots development.
Follow updates from the WRU regarding the appointment of Moore's successor.
Support women's rugby matches to help grow the fan base and visibility of the sport.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of ongoing development programmes for young female players.
Don’t hesitate to raise concerns or suggestions about women's rugby within your local rugby community.
Don’t forget to celebrate the achievements of women in rugby, regardless of setbacks.

Checklist

Monitor announcements from the WRU regarding leadership changes.
Attend local women's rugby matches and support community initiatives.
Stay informed about player contract updates and team performance.
Engage with discussions about the future of women's rugby in Wales.
Follow news from the ECB on The Hundred and its growth strategy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Moore's departure signals a shift within the WRU, the future of women's rugby in Wales remains uncertain. The new leadership will need to address the recent disappointments of the World Cup and build a robust strategy for development and support. The success of the women's game hinges on the ability to attract and retain talent while fostering a positive culture.

Bottom line

Belinda Moore's impending exit from the WRU represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the future of women's rugby in Wales. As the organisation prepares for this transition, the focus must remain on developing talent and enhancing the sport's visibility, ensuring a resilient framework for women's rugby moving forward.

FAQs

What will Belinda Moore's new role involve?

Belinda Moore will become the growth director for The Hundred at the ECB, where she will focus on expanding the reach and impact of the tournament.

Why did Moore leave the WRU?

Moore’s departure comes as part of a new opportunity at the ECB, while she also aims to ensure a smooth transition by helping find her successor at the WRU.

What challenges did the Wales women's rugby team face during the World Cup?

The Wales women's rugby team struggled during the recent World Cup, failing to qualify for the quarter-finals, which marked a disappointing campaign for the squad.