Wales will never give up - Cunningham

Ioan Cunningham gives a team talkImage source, Huw Evans
Image caption,

Wales coach Ioan Cunningham is contracted until the 2025 Rugby World Cup

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After an emotionally exhausting Women's Six Nations campaign, it is not surprising Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham shed a tear on the final whistle.

A 78th-minute try and conversion against Italy prevented what would have been a whitewash for the first time in Wales' history.

They still finished bottom of the table, but Wales' 22-20 victory ensured they went out on a high in front of a record Principality Stadium crowd.

Players could not contain their celebrations; they invaded Cunningham's post-match television interview before showering him in water from the ice box.

A little excessive perhaps, but such was the relief of ending a seven game losing streak.

"The players obviously wanted to get me," joked Cunningham after a change of clothes.

"We’ve gone through a lot together as a group, it’s been a tough campaign and we’ve had some tough meetings trying to get better.

"It is challenging, but one thing this Welsh team will do is never give up."

Cunningham said it was important Wales celebrated having last tasted victory in a friendly against USA in September 2023, but he knows an honest review is coming.

"When the emotion comes down and everyone settles we will look at it critically, we will look at ourselves and where we can get better," he said.

"But what is important at this time is to enjoy this because we have gone through a tough period and this was the springboard we needed to go back in the right direction."

Media caption,

A relieved Wales captain Hannah Jones praises her side's resilience