Former Wales international Rachel Taylor joins Sale Sharks as Women’s Performance Coach
Rachel was WRU’s first professional national female coach
Sale Sharks is delighted to announce the appointment of former Wales international and National Skills Coach Rachel Taylor as the club’s new Women’s Performance Coach.
Rachel, who won 67 caps during an international career that began against Canada in 2007, joins the Sharks Women’s coaching team for the upcoming Allianz Premier15s season.
Back row forward Rachel became the first female coach of a national league Welsh rugby team when she took over at Welsh division two side Colwyn Bay in 2018.
And the 38-year-old trailblazer broke more ground in November 2020 when she took on the role of National Skills Coach, becoming the WRU’s first professional national female coach in the process.
She stepped down from her WRU role in March and has now joined Women’s Performance Lead Katy Daley-McLean and Head of Operations Callum Yorke as they prepare the side for the start of the 2021/22 season.
Rachel said: “I’m so excited to be joining the Sharks family and to have the chance work alongside Katy, Callum and the team.
“It’s really clear to see how much investment and effort is going into creating and developing the women’s high-performance pathway at the club and I can’t wait to play my part.
“It’s a fantastic time to be joining a club that is only at the start of a really exciting, bright future.”
Women’s Performance Lead Katy Daley-McLean said: “Rachel is one of the most decorated and respected coaches in world rugby and we’re delighted to welcome her to Sale Sharks ahead of our second season in the Allianz Premier15s.
“She’s played at the very top level for many years and will bring so much experience and leadership to our team, both on and off the pitch.
“It’s a huge boost to our young team and I can’t wait to see the impact she’s going to make.”
Sale Sharks Women kick off their Allianz Premier15s campaign on Saturday, September 4, with a home fixture at the Corpacq Stadium against Worcester Warriors Women.
To get your tickets to watch Sharks Women in action, click here
