Thomas, who won 65 Wales caps in a distinguished Test career since 2006, competed in four Rugby World Cups and retired after the 2023 Six Nations after a year as a professional rugby player.
She was appointed after an extensive interview process and will join the Community Playing Team as the WRU makes another key appointment in women’s rugby in Wales.
The former prop, who is a Welsh speaker and hails from Carmarthenshire, has over 20 years’ experience working within Sport Development, Sport for Change and senior management.
Thomas has been a women and girls community coach and most recently played a key role in developing the strategies and partnerships across the South West of England.
She will leave her role with Bath Rugby Foundation and return to Wales to meet the need of the ever-growing girls and women’s community game.
Thomas’ last game for Wales was the 36-10 win against Italy in the 2023 Six Nations that saw Wales rise to a record high of sixth in the world ranking and qualify for WXV1 in New Zealand for the six best teams in the world.
A widely respected rugby figure in and outside of Wales, both as player and coach, she was forwards coach for the Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge.
Thomas, said: “This is a dream job for me and one that excites me, I really care about the game, the people and the infrastructure we have in place to make it thrive. This role marks a huge opportunity to implement key pillars and a strategy for growth in girls and women’s rugby in Wales.”
“The community game is the bedrock of our game, it’s an imperative space that gives the first opportunity to pick up a ball or to be part of a team. It can be the space that ignites a lifelong love for the game.
“The focus is to grow the participation numbers between the ages eight and 18 and to engage with the community clubs, schools, and the growing of WRU hubs across Wales to attract new players and support the next generation of talent.
“Building trust and robust relationships with those in Welsh rugby will be key and my first job is to get out and about to our great clubs, schools and partners, and listen and understand what the issues are, and work together to chart an aligned course so we increase participation in girls and women’s rugby.
WRU Community Director, Geraint John, said: “Caryl was one of a really impressive group of high-quality people we interviewed for a critical role for the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Her playing pedigree speaks for itself and her experience of the challenges of Test rugby combined with her work within the Sports Development and Sport for Change industries underlines her quality and skills for the job.
“Caryl’s role is absolutely critical for the WRU’s strategy for the growth of girls and women’s rugby in Wales.”
