The WRU is under increasing pressure for its handling of accusations of sexism
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Steve Phillips is facing calls to step down because the WRU has been handling serious allegations of sexism.
A former head of Welsh women’s rugby said she had considered suicide because of a “toxic culture” of sexism at WRU.
Former Sport Wales boss Huw Jones has said the Welsh Parliament needs to look into alleged “deep-rooted” cultural issues.
Supporters have also called for Phillips to be fired over allegations of discrimination and bullying.
The WRU said it had been committed on equality, diversity and inclusion and had investigated the claims.
However, Welsh Sport Minister Dawn Bowden has held talks with the governing body about “immediate steps” to further address the allegations.
Two women complained about a “toxic culture” of sexism within the WRU.
Former head of Welsh women’s rugby Charlotte Wathan said she believed suicide was due and said a male colleague joked to others in an office that he wanted to “rape” her.
The WRU said both cases were being investigated and the correct procedures were being followed, but Mr Jones said politicians needed to step in now.
“What we’ve heard is awful and ultimately depressing given the fact that the board [of the WRU] probably won’t do anything about it,” he said ` Radio Wales.
“They’re going to try to sit it out, hope the Six Nations succeed and everyone forgets, a storm in a teacup.
“There are major challenges now for others to stand up and say this is not acceptable at WRU. We’ve heard sponsors raise concerns and hopefully politicians will do the same.
“The WRU is an independent organization but it is responsible for all rugby in Wales and the interests of the nation. She must not remain idle.”
Cardiff Rugby said it was distressed and horrified by the allegations of discrimination and misogyny at the WRU.
It condemned the reporting culture and called on Chairman Ieuan Evans to make changes to the governing body without delay.
The Joint Supporters Group, which represents fans from all four regions, also expressed major concern over the “disturbing” revelations.
They called on the Senedd Committee on Culture, Communications, Welsh Language and Sport to open an inquiry into the WRU’s leadership.
in one Letter to the WRU Chairmanthey also called on the WRU to fire CEO Steve Phillips.
However, Mr Jones added: “The [WRU] Management remains silent on this matter. There was no talk of resignations.
“Yet they are ultimately responsible for the organization’s reputation and hold the leader accountable.”
It has since emerged that Amanda Blanc, who was Chair of the Welsh Rugby Professional Board between 2019 and 2021, warned the WRU It had a problem before the claims of sexism surfaced.
Mrs. Blanc, now managing director of the insurance company Aviva, said the WRU it has a “rooted” culture and behavioral problems, a union-mandated review of women’s football is “womenabusive” and warned of a “ticking time bomb” for equality and diversity.
“The WRU board is archaic and people have been demanding change for years,” Mr Jones said.
“When someone like Amanda Blanc leaves the organization because he cannot initiate change, then something is drastically wrong.
“Hopefully they will react but by the time they do it may be too late by the time people start withdrawing their money like they did at Yorkshire Cricket lost most of their main sponsors before the board had a chance to resign.”
Two main sponsors, the Principality Building Society and Admiral, have expressed their concern about the allegations and said they expect “immediate and decisive” action.
Fans want Senedd’s culture and sports committee to investigate WRU’s leadership
Mr Jones said: “Sport Wales does not have the power to open an inquiry but Senedd does and can summon people to come before the committee and insist on changes.
“These are the people running the game and it’s not allowed to go on. Rugby in Wales is too important.”
The Welsh Government said it had started talks with the WRU about the allegations.
At a government press conference, Education Minister Jeremy Miles said that women in the ` Wales Investigates programme had come forward with “devastating testimonies”.
He added: “It takes great courage to come forward and share your story, in the specific context of any form of harassment, 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 proactive in addressing harmful behavior and attitudes.
“Dawn Bowden is working with the WRU on this and the steps WRU needs to take immediately to address the allegations set out in the investigation.”
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