Finnish Rugby Federation (Suomen Rugbyliitto, SRL) is excited to announce a pioneering partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) aimed at advancing the development of rugby coaching in Finland. This collaborative initiative will provide Finnish rugby players with access to world-class expertise, knowledge exchange, and best practices from the WRU Accelerate Female Coach development programme which is recognized globally for its strong rugby culture and commitment to developing coaching talent.

Through this partnership, SRL will benefit from tailored professional development opportunities, including training workshops, coaching seminars, and exposure to WRU’s elite coaching methodologies. In return, the WRU Accelerate programme will gain valuable coaching opportunities for females and insights from Finland’s unique approach to rugby development and its innovative strategies for growing the game at the grassroots level.
“We are thrilled to work alongside the WRU Accelerate female coach development programme one of the most respected rugby organizations in the world,” said Andy Barlow, Head Coach at Finland Rugby. “This collaboration will significantly strengthen our coaching infrastructure and contribute to the growth of rugby in Finland. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business while also developing a deeper international rugby network.”

SRL Technical Director Anssi Jukka added that “Andy has already been able to recruit support from Wales for our men’s and women’s National teams with Amanda Jones being the first to join us from the WRU Accelerate Programme. This initiative forms part of a wider effort to elevate the standard of coaching and player development across all levels of Finnish rugby”.
Through joint efforts, both organizations aim to build a more resilient and competitive rugby culture in Finland, with a focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of coaches and players who play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.
“We are excited to share our insights with Finland Rugby and look forward to a fruitful exchange of ideas that will benefit both nations and especially our female coaches,” said John Neal, Head of Coaching at the Welsh Rugby Union. “Collaborations like this are vital for the ongoing development of rugby and we are proud to play a role in helping coaches reach their full potential.”
The collaboration between Finland Rugby and the Welsh Rugby Union underscores both organizations’ commitment to fostering rugby talent and advancing coaching standards internationally. This partnership promises to be a catalyst for further growth in the sport and an inspiring model for future international cooperation in rugby development.