Rhian Wilkinson has praised her staff and voiced her relief that more people were not injured after the Wales team bus was involved in a traffic accident in Switzerland.
Head coach Wilkinson stressed that the safety and well-being of her players and staff comes far ahead of football after they cancelled a planned training session ahead of tomorrow’s crunch Euro 2025 match against France.
The Wales squad were en route to their scheduled training session in St Gallen on Tuesday afternoon when their team bus was in collision.
The session, planned ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal group match, was immediately cancelled.
It is understood that the driver of another vehicle required medical treatment, but that no players or FAW staff were hurt.
Wilkinson, who had travelled separately to the stadium with captain Angharad James for a pre-match press conference, responded swiftly.
“This is really developing right now, so we are trying to be as clear and transparent as possible,” Wilkinson told the media shortly after the incident.
“I think everyone, from all reports, is okay and we just need to get them all together and get everyone away from the scene to reassess. We've got great staff, great support and we will make sure that everyone continues to be okay.”
While the team bus carried the majority of players and staff, Wilkinson’s immediate concern was not just limited to her own group, but extended to all those involved.
“More importantly, I think the driver of the other vehicle is okay as well. We will let everyone know once we know for sure.
“Everyone is okay, our priority is just to get them all together and away from the scene and then reassess. We've got great staff and really good support for them and we'll be checking in to make sure they continue to be okay.
“Also, and just as importantly, I believe the other car involved – I think everyone is okay there as well.
“Football is secondary and I think yes we are shaken just because we don't know. We are away from the team right now so they've had to experience that but equally we have a great group.
“I've been assured everyone is fine. We've practiced for the unexpected and I think that's what you can call this.
“Football is secondary but equally we'll check back in and make sure everyone is in a good spot and then start working towards football again after that.”
A statement from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed: “The Cymru National Team bus has been involved in a road traffic accident whilst travelling to Arena St Gallen for their matchday -1 training session ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 match against France.
“All passengers on the Cymru National Team bus and in the other vehicle are unharmed. The FAW’s priority has been to remove the players from the scene and return to the Cymru training base to complete their preparations for tomorrow’s match.”
Wales, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening group game, face France in what could prove a decisive fixture for their hopes of progressing in the tournament.
They may decide to go-ahead with some form of training session on Tuesday evening.
