By Hannah Blackwell
Record goalscorer Helen Ward has joined the coaching staff of Wales’ women’s team.
Former Newport manager James Rowberry has also been appointed to interim boss Jon Grey’s coaching staff for this month’s friendly with Republic of Ireland, following the shock departure of Gemma Grainger.
🏴 Helen Ward and James Rowberry will join up with interim Head Coach Jon Grey on the coaching staff for @Cymru's match against the Republic of Ireland later this month.#TogetherStronger
— FA WALES (@FAWales) February 5, 2024
“I was extremely fortunate to experience the highs and lows of international football with some incredible team-mates through my 15-year Cymru career,” said Ward, who scored three more goals than men’s top scorer Gareth Bale with 44 in 102 appearances before hanging up her Wales boots in February 2023.
“I hope that those experiences and the learnings from my recent coaching qualifications can help aid the team in a different role as we look to qualify for our first ever major tournament.
“I’m honoured to be involved again with such a special group and I can’t wait to get started.”
Wales' all-time leading goalscorer Helen Ward is making her return to international football on 27 February.
Read the latest here 👇#BBCFootball #Wales
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) February 5, 2024
Wales warm-up for the start of Women’s Euro 2025 qualification in April with a Dublin friendly on February 27.
It is their first game since Grainger left her role as Wales manager to take charge of Norway.
Ahead of Wales v Rep of Ireland, @cymru have announced that Interim Head Coach Jon Grey will take charge, and will be joined by Wales record scorer @helenwardie10 and former Newport County Head Coach James Rowberry as Assistant Coaches. Photo Credit FAW pic.twitter.com/6CdgrDsClU
— Coleman Had A Dream Podcast (@Colemans_Dream) February 5, 2024