Nine semi-professional contracts have been awarded to Wales Women internationals, adding to 12 stars who became full-time professionals last week.
Forwards Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Kat Evans, Cerys Hale, Abbie Fleming and Bethan Lewis, along with backs Kerin Lake, Caitlin Lewis and Niamh Terry, will train alongside their full-time colleagues between one and three days a week.
Up to six more players on the "retainer" contracts will be joining the Welsh Rugby Union's performance programme in the coming weeks, with two upcoming training camps acting as a final audition.
Training and playing plans are being managed alongside players' Allianz Premier 15s clubs in England.
Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said the players will be a "vital addition" to the performance programme.
"Some of them were very close to being offered full-time contracts, and all made a huge contribution to our autumn campaign, both on the pitch and in the training environment so are all deserving of this chance.
"Ultimately, the retainer contracts provide an opportunity to have more contact time with more players which will be a huge positive. It gives the players the ability to learn more about the game, to complete more training sessions, improve their strength and fitness along with other areas that will contribute towards the team’s performance.
"We feel we have the right model in the interests of our programme while enabling players on retainer contracts to meet their work commitments. It’s an opportunity for players to develop individually while challenging each other."
As for the last few retainer contracts up for grabs, Cunningham added: "There are two training camps in the next few weeks, so the opportunity is certainly there for other players to impress and earn a Retainer Contract. There are players we want to see in our environment and these camps will enable us to do that."
Wales Women retainer contract recipients: Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Kat Evans (Saracens), Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury), Abbie Fleming (Exeter Chiefs), Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury), Bethan Lewis (Gloucester-Hartpury), Caitlin Lewis (Exeter Chiefs), Niamh Terry (Exeter Chiefs).
