Welsh rugby: WRU resignation calls over sexism scandal

The WRU is under mounting pressure over its handling of sexism claims

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips is facing calls to step down over the way the WRU has handled serious allegations of sexism.

A former head of Welsh women's rugby said she considered suicide because of a "toxic culture" of sexism at the WRU.

Former Sport Wales boss Huw Jones said the Welsh parliament must investigate alleged "deep rooted" cultural issues.

Supporters have also called for Phillips to be fired over claims of discrimination and bullying.

The WRU said it was committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and had investigated the claims.

But Wales' first minister called on the WRU to take "urgent and transparent action" after Sports Minister Dawn Bowden held talks with the governing body.

At question time in the Senedd, Mark Drakeford said: "The Welsh government made it clear to the WRU that we need to see urgent and transparent action that helps to restore confidence in the WRU itself.

"That requires a public recognition on the part of the WRU of the scale and nature of the issues that were rehearsed in that programme."

Two women have complained of a "toxic culture" of sexism at the highest level of the game in Wales.

Former head of Wales women's rugby Charlotte Wathan said she considered suicide and said a male colleague joked in front of others in an office that he wanted to "rape" her.

The WRU said both cases were investigated and proper procedures were followed however Mr Jones said politicians must now intervene.

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"What we've heard is horrific and ultimately depressing when you look at the fact the board [of the WRU] will probably do nothing about it," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"They will try to sit it out, hope the Six Nations is successful and everybody forgets about it, a storm in a tea cup.

"There are major challenges now for others to stand up and say this is not acceptable at the WRU. We've heard sponsors have expressed concerns and hopefully politicians will as well.

"The WRU is an independent organisation but it is responsible for the whole of rugby in Wales and the interests of the nation. It can't be allowed to do nothing."

Cardiff Rugby said it was distressed and appalled by the allegations of discrimination and misogyny at the WRU.

It condemned the reported culture and urged chairman Ieuan Evans to implement immediate change in the governing body.

Ospreys have also expressed their concern

The Joint Supporters Group, which represents fans from all four regions, also expressed grave concerns over the "distressing" revelations.

They called on the Senedd's Culture, Communication, Welsh language and Sport committee to launch an inquiry into the governance of the WRU.

In a letter to the WRU chairman, they also called on the WRU to sack chief executive Steve Phillips.

However Mr Jones added: "The [WRU] board has stayed silent on this matter. There has been no mention of resignations.

"Yet they are ultimately responsible for the reputation of the organisation and hold the executive to account."

It has since emerged that Amanda Blanc, who chaired Welsh rugby's professional board between 2019 and 2021, warned the WRU it had a problem before the sexism claims emerged.

Ms Blanc, now chief executive of Aviva insurance company, told the WRU it had a "deep rooted" culture and behavioural problems, a union-commissioned review into the women's game was "insulting to women" and warned of an equality and diversity "ticking timebomb".

"The WRU board is archaic and people have been calling for change for years," said Mr Jones.

"When you have someone like Amanda Blanc quitting the organisation because they can't initiate change then there's something drastically wrong.

"Hopefully they will react but if they do it may be too late when people start pulling their money out, like they did with Yorkshire Cricket who lost most of their major sponsors before the board had a chance to resign."

Two major sponsors, Principality Building Society and Admiral, have expressed their concerns over the allegations and said they expect to see "immediate and decisive" action.

Fans want the Senedd's Culture and Sport Committee to look into the WRU's governance

Mr Jones said: "Sport Wales doesn't have the powers to initiate an investigation but the Senedd does and it can subpoena people to come to committee and insist on changes.

"These are the people running the game and it can't be allowed to go on. Rugby in Wales is too important."

The Welsh government said it has launched talks with the WRU over the allegations.

Speaking at a government press conference, Education Minister Jeremy Miles said the women in the BBC Wales Investigates programme had come forward with "devastating testimonies".

He added: "It takes great courage to come forward and share one's story, in the particular context of any form of harassment or bullying or abuse.

"Our clear commitment as a government is that women and girls have the right to be safe in all aspects of their lives and we are challenging damaging behaviour and attitudes head on."

Sport Wales, the national organisation responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales, also called for urgent action.

"Sport is for everyone, with no exception, which is why we have been shocked and saddened to hear the serious allegations made against the WRU," said acting chief executive officer Brian Davies.

"The need for immediate action is clear. We expect a plan to be developed exploring and addressing cultural improvements within the organisation as a matter of urgency."