WASPS Women have promoted LJ Lewis to the role of head coach following the departure of club stalwart Giselle Mather.
Lewis previously held a coaching role at the club and will now take charge of first-team affairs on a full-time basis.
The young coach began working in the Premiership with Bristol Women in 2012, starting as forwards coach before progressing to the role of head coach.
She moved on to Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017 with the formation of the Premier 15s before joining Wasps ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
Lewis said: “To be offered this opportunity is a great honour and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve got my own style and will look to implement that over time.
“With the new season fast approaching, there is a lot to get to grips with in a relatively short space of time. It’s a challenge, but one I’m really looking forward to.
“We’ve got a really talented group of players here, and there’s a great spirit at the Club – we have every reason to be excited for what’s ahead of us.”
Stephen Vaughan, Wasps Group CEO, added: “LJ knows the club inside out and already has the respect of the playing group, which will make her transition to Head Coach a seamless one and is why we have every confidence in her.”
Richard Green, Chairman of Wasps FC, said: “Creating an environment in which players and coaches can develop and progress is of huge importance to us, so to see LJ promoted to Head Coach is a source of immense pride for the club.
“Over the course of the last three years, and during recent conversations, LJ has demonstrated that she has all the tools required to succeed and thrive at this level.
“We’re all really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Alongside her role with Wasps, Lewis is also the current England Women under-20’s assistant coach.