WRU chief executive Steve Phillips RESIGNS

WRU chief executive Steve Phillips RESIGNS after allegations of sexism, misogyny and racism against the governing body… as new interim CEO Nigel Walker insists Welsh rugby is facing an ‘existential crisis’

• Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips has resigned from his role 
• Ex-employee Charlotte Wathan made a string of accusations against the WRU
• Performance director Nigel Walker will now take over as interim chief executive 

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips has resigned following a turbulent week for the governing body.

Sportsmail first revealed last March that former WRU employee Charlotte Wathan had made a string of accusations about her treatment in her time at the organisation. 

She and a handful of her former employees made further allegations against the WRU in a BBC documentary last week, as one of her ex-colleagues was accused of having joked about wanting to ‘rape’ her.

Welsh Rugby Union chief Steve Phillips resigned after a turbulent week for the governing body

The shocking revelations prompted Cardiff director Hayley Parsons to call for Phillips to resign after his handling of the issues raised in the programme.

Following Phillips’ resignation, performance director Nigel Walker will take over as interim CEO while the governing body searches for a successor.

The new chief insisted: ‘There is no doubt Welsh rugby is facing an existential crisis.

‘This has been a wake-up call. Perhaps it is a call that has been overdue. The first step to any recovery is admitting the problem.’

Confirming the news on Sunday, a statement from the WRU read: ‘Steve Phillips has resigned from his position as CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union. 

WRU is facing allegations of sexism, misogyny and racism after last week’s BBC programme

‘Nigel Walker will take over as Acting CEO with immediate effect.

‘Current Performance Director Walker has been appointed by WRU chair Ieuan Evans and his Board on an interim basis whilst the recruitment process for a new CEO is established.’

Phillips, who has initially vowed to remain as chief executive before stepping down this weekend, said: ‘It is with a huge amount of regret that I have decided to hand in my resignation.

Charlotte Wathan made a string of accusations about her treatment during her time at WRU

‘I have always had the best interests of Welsh rugby at the heart of my every action and thought, but have come to the conclusion that it is now time for someone else to lead the way.

‘This is a sport I love and is so admired around the world and I wish everyone involved in the game every success and my heartfelt best wishes.’

The WRU have insisted that no allegations or accusations were made against Phillips specifically during the BBC programme.

Performance director Nigel Walker will now take over as chief executive on an interim basis

Wales are currently gearing up for the start of their Six Nations campaign, which begins next weekend.

Disappointed by the accusations made against the union, Wales great Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Unfortunately in Welsh rugby it’s usually feast or famine — we’re either winning grand slams or it’s a disaster.

‘It will be a distraction for the WRU and it will be hanging over them. But Warren Gatland and the players will purely focus on their job. It’s not great timing or publicity. 

‘There is no bigger competition than the Six Nations and whatever is happening with your contract, if you play well on that big stage then there are always going to be clubs in for you. 

‘The players will have a positive mindset. They will focus on the rugby because they can’t influence what’s happening off the field.’

Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted he’s ‘pretty unaware of everything’ following the claims

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