WRU “in denial” and hit like “10-tonne truck” over allegations as warning given

02 February 2023 , 19:47

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Welsh Rugby Union acting chief executive Nigel Walker (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)

The Welsh Rugby Union’s acting CEO Nigel Walker has warned the organisation won’t be here in the next few years if it doesn't commit to changing.

Walker, along with Chair Ieuan Evans, answered questions from the Senedd's Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee this morning following allegations of sexism, misogyny and bullying within the organisation.

Reports of the allegations first emerged last week, with the Joint Supporters Group of all four professional Welsh rugby teams calling on chief executive Steve Phillips to resign or be sacked "immediately". Soon afterwards he resigned from his role.

Responding to questions on how the WRU has dealt with the issues in the past, Walker suggested that issues with the culture at Welsh rugby’s governing body had previously been ignored.

"In any organisation, it’s possible for things to occur over a period of time and for people to turn a blind eye and not to address those problems," he said. “The warning signs have been there for quite some time. When it’s presented as graphically as it was, it hits you like a 10-tonne truck."

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He added: “I think, as an organisation, we have been in denial as to the extent of the problem. There have been cases in the past which have been dealt with - in theory dealt with - and people have moved on. And I think each individual case is an indication that there has been a wider problem but people have not joined the dots. None of us are proud of the position we’re in.” He later added: “We are disturbed, embarrassed - any adjective you want.”

The allegations emerged last February following the resignation of the former general manager of women's rugby in Wales, Charlotte Wathan. She claimed she was on the receiving end of offensive comments by a colleague, leaving her in tears and feeling sick.

WRU acting chief executive Nigel Walker appearing before the Senedd's Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee (Senedd.TV/PA Wire)

Another former WRU employee who remains unnamed, lodged allegations of bullying and sexism which drove her to having suicidal thoughts. Tehese were all covered in a BBC programme title "BBC Wales Investigates: Welsh Rugby Under the Spotlight".

In a statement at the time of the allegations, the WRU said: "The Welsh Rugby Union condemns the use of racist, homophobic or sexist language and states in the strongest possible terms that racism, homophobic, sexist or bullying behaviour has no place in Welsh rugby.

"It is vitally important to note that we have a duty of care as employers to both the complainants and those complained against. That duty of care continues and we are deeply concerned about the effect of this programme on those individuals in respect of the fact the allegations described remain unsubstantiated following a thorough independent legal investigation."

The Wales Rugby Union are now doing their utmost to change the organisation's culture (Getty Images)

In an effort to change the culture's organisation for the better, last night the WRU announced proposals to revamp its Board. Currently, of its 12 members Catherine Read is the only woman. Under the new proposals, Evans and Walker want the Board to consist of at least five women and want the number of club representatives to be halved, with independent, appointed individuals taking the remaining spots.

Walker added: “The option we have now is to continue in the same way and the Welsh Rugby Union won’t be here in three or four years - or it will be a shadow of its current self - or we can commit to changing. We are committed to changing. There are a number of proposals on the table. The governance changes we have earmarked for implementation will be part of that process.

“But there needs to be a root and branch investigation of the way that we work and the culture that currently exists at the Welsh Rugby Union. That is underway with the task force.” Despite the proposals receiving support from all 12 of the current Board members, at least 75% of the member clubs must vote in favour at an EGM scheduled for late March.

Liam Llewellyn