“We have a Six Nations campaign and Rugby World Cup to prepare for in what promises to be the biggest year in the history of women’s rugby.

“We have work to do but having coached, and coached against, the Welsh internationals in England, I know we have the players to make the nation proud.”

As well as coaching the PWR team, Lynn oversaw the rugby programme at Hartpury College and University.

He was unveiled by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) at the Principality Stadium on Monday.

Lynn had made no secret of his ambition to coach at international level, but played down links to the role a few weeks after Cunningham’s exit.

His appointment could be a good fit for Wales, with Gloucester-Hartpury home to a large contingent of Welsh internationals including Hannah Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Lleucu George, Bethan Lewis, Kate Williams and Kelsey Jones.

He will work closely with Belinda Moore, who was recently named the WRU’s head of women’s rugby in Wales, a new high-profile role.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said Lynn’s appointment “underlines the importance” of Wales’ women’s team and emphasises how the union want the side to progress.

She added: “His ability as a coach is second to none as he has proved with two back-to-back titles in the PWR.

“I am delighted he has accepted the role. He was the outstanding candidate among a field of high-calibre of applicants who recognised what a prestigious and important role it is to be the Wales head coach.”