Belinda Moore to Depart WRU for ECB Role
Belinda Moore, wife of former England and Lions hooker Brian Moore, who is now a respected commentator and pundit, will leave her position as head of women's and girls rugby at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to take up a new role with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as The Hundred's growth director.
Moore was appointed to her WRU role in January 2025 following the creation of the position after the WRU's Independent Review in 2024. Originally contracted until the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, her contract was subsequently extended through to the conclusion of the 2026 women's Six Nations tournament.
Wales Women’s Rugby Performance and Moore’s Role
Wales experienced a disappointing campaign at the recent World Cup, failing to qualify for the quarter-finals and becoming the first team eliminated from the tournament.
Moore, formerly the chief executive of Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), was a high-profile appointment by the WRU. She was tasked with transforming the women's game in Wales, focusing on developing pathways to professionalism and enhancing the sport's culture.
Her contributions included involvement in the expansion of the Celtic Challenge, a cross-border league featuring teams from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Transition and Future Plans
Moore is set to leave her WRU position in March and will assist in the search for her successor. During this transition period, she will also participate in contract negotiations for Wales women's leading players.
"The intention was always to start the process to embed the women's game at the Welsh Rugby Union and to identify and find my successor," Moore said.
"There is no denying this has been a challenging year after the recent World Cup campaign but there is genuine exciting young talent coming through and we are seeing those players excel in the new expanded Celtic Challenge."
"We had a record crowd for a Wales women's team for the visit of England at the home of Welsh rugby for last season's W6N.
"It shows how quickly the women's game in Wales has developed that it is now an expectation that the national team play international rugby at the best stadium in the world."
WRU’s Response
Abi Tierney, WRU chief executive, expressed gratitude for Moore’s contributions.
"We are grateful for the work Belinda has done with the Wales women's national squad and for her willingness to play a key role in the appointment of her successor."
