Rowland Phillips has been appointed full-time head coach of Wales Women – and thanked his daughter Carys.

The highly-respected coach takes over immediately with the aim of building the coaching team that will take Wales to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland next year.

Phillips has credited his daughter – 26-times capped Carys – for developing his interest in the women’s game.

He said: “Carys’ involvement has enabled me to keep a closer eye on women’s rugby over a number of years.

“I’ve obviously watched her play from a young age as any parent would.

“But more recently I’ve watched a lot of club, regional and international rugby which has opened my eyes to the talent available and I’m excited by what I see.”

Phillips was defence coach to the Wales men’s senior team under Gareth Jenkins and also held down the same position with the Ospreys.

He has been head coach at Neath, Aironi, Viadana, and London Welsh, as well as Wales Under-18s as well as steering London Welsh to British & Irish Cup success last season.

Phillips added: “I’m really excited by the very real challenge in front of us for women’s rugby in Wales.

“Taking charge of an international side is a great honour but the most pleasing aspect of this role is that we have an abundance of talent in the women’s game in Wales, which has excited me since I started watching the club, regional and international game here four or five seasons ago.

“There’s a huge increase in interest in women and girls’ rugby in Wales and globally, from international rugby to the community game, and I’m looking forward to being part of that and helping players to fulfil their potential on the field.”

WRU national women’s manager Caroline Spanton said: “Rowland’s appointment as full-time head coach reflects the increased profile and investment the Welsh Rugby Union is committing to the international women’s game.

“The standard is rising at a pace in the women’s game, and I expect Rowland to bring professionalism from his success in the men’s game to the role in order to help us step up a gear ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.”

WRU head of rugby performance Geraint John added: “We are thrilled to appoint Rowland from a number of high-calibre individuals who applied for the post.

“The interest shows that the women’s head coach role is now a sought-after position in its own right and we are committed to supporting the further development of the international women’s game.”