Welsh Rugby Union admit being in 'denial' over sexism and misogyny

Welsh Rugby Union bosses admit being in ‘denial’ over the extent of sexism and misogyny in the governing body, ahead of an independent review into the organisation’s culture

• Allegations of sexism, racism and misogyny have been levelled at the WRU 
• Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips resigned on Sunday
• Sports Resolution will oversee an independent review of the WRU’s culture 

Welsh Rugby Union bosses have admitted being in ‘denial’ over the extent of sexism and misogyny in their organisation and that warning signs over such problems were missed.

WRU chairman Ieuan Evans and interim chief executive Nigel Walker faced questions in the Senedd on Thursday after the governing body was rocked by a number of serious allegations.

Evans and Walker were called to give evidence after a number of shocking claims by former WRU employees – as first revealed by Sportsmail – were aired. 

On Sunday, former WRU chief executive Steve Phillips resigned as the crisis escalated. An external taskforce has been asked to carry out an independent review. 

Evans and Walker apologised to Senedd members and said they accepted there was a culture problem at the WRU. The pair said they were committed to implementing all of the recommendations made by the taskforce.

Interim WRU chief executive Nigel Walker admitted the organisation has a culture problem

WRU chairman Ieuan Evans and Walker have committed to implementing changes recommended by a taskforce

The name of the chair and the scope of the review is to published this week, Walker said. He also revealed the independent chair is a woman who has worked in the judiciary.

‘In any organisation, especially a large organisation like the WRU, it’s possible for things to happen over a period of time and for people to turn a blind eye and not to address those problems,’ Walker said. 

‘The warning signs have been there for quite some time. To be candid, I think as an organisation we’ve been in denial as to the extent of the problem.

‘None of us are proud of the position we’re in.’

Walker said London-based arbitration company Sports Resolution has been asked to set up the review but it will be the responsibility of the chairwoman to choose the other members of the panel, of which there will be three or four people. Terms of reference have been set by Sports Resolution and Sport Wales in discussion with the Welsh Government and the WRU.

Walker confirmed the review’s report and recommendations would be made public.

‘It will look at the culture of Welsh rugby, including sexism and misogyny, going back to 2017 but could go further back,’ he said.

‘We are opening our doors. The review can take any direction the chair wants it to take.’

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