Welsh Rugby Union bosses admit to being in ‘denial’ over sexism and misogyny in governing body
Welsh Rugby Union bosses admit to being in ‘denial’ about the extent of sexism and misogyny in the governing body, ahead of an independent review of the organisation’s culture.
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Welsh Rugby Union bosses have admitted to being in “denial” about the extent of sexism and misogyny in their organization and that warning signs about such issues were overlooked.
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 series of serious allegations.
Evans and Walker were called to testify after a series of shocking claims from former WRU employees, as first revealed sports mail – were issued.
On Sunday, former WRU chief executive Steve Phillips resigned as the crisis escalated. An external working group has been asked to carry out an independent review.
Evans and Walker apologized to the Senedd members and said they accepted that there was a cultural problem in the WRU. Both said they were committed to implementing all the recommendations made by the task force.
WRU interim chief executive Nigel Walker has admitted the organization has a cultural problem
WRU President Ieuan Evans and Walker have committed to implementing the changes recommended by a working group.
The name of the chair and the scope of the review will be released this week, Walker said. She also revealed that the independent president is a woman who has worked in the judiciary.
“In any organization, especially a large organization like the WRU, it’s possible that things happen over a period of time and people turn a blind eye and don’t address those issues,” Walker said.
‘The warning signs have been there for quite some time. To be honest, I think as an organization we have been in denial about the magnitude 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 organize the review, but it will be the chairperson’s responsibility to choose the other members of the panel, of which there will be three or four people. The terms of reference have been established by Sports Resolution and Sport Wales in discussion with the Welsh Government and the WRU.
Walker confirmed that the review report and recommendations would be made public.
“It will look at Welsh rugby culture, including sexism and misogyny, since 2017, but could go further back,” he said.
‘We are opening our doors. The review can take any direction the president wants it to take.’
.