WRU facing allegations of sexism and discrimination following BBC investigation

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The WRU faces serious allegations of sexism (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive)

The Welsh Rugby Union is facing allegations of sexism and discrimination which have left MP and former Welsh international Tonia Antoniazzi expressing serious concerns about the women’s game in the country.

A number of former WRU workers took part in a BBC Wales investigation, which will be considered on Monday evening, blaming their time on the governing body.

Charlotte Wathan, managing director of women’s rugby until her resignation last February, says a colleague’s offensive comments left her in tears and sick, while another anonymous contributor says she was left contemplating suicide by his experiences of bullying and sexism at work, according to BBC Wales investigation.

Incidents of racism and homophobia are also alleged.

The WRU said an out-of-court resolution was reached with Wathan satisfying both parties following an investigation by an outside law firm. He said a confidentiality agreement between the parties prevented further details.

The Welsh Rugby Union condemns the use of racist, homophobic or sexist language and declares in the strongest terms that racism, homophobic, sexist or bullying behavior has no place in Welsh rugby.

URU Spokesperson

He noted that another of the complaints had been investigated and then withdrawn, while new information included in the show would be followed up and acted upon.

A spokesperson 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 behavior has no their place in Welsh rugby.

A statement continued: It is extremely important to note that we have a duty of care as employers to complainants and those who are the subject of the complaint.

This duty of care continues and we are deeply concerned about the effect of this program on these individuals in terms of the allegations outlined remaining unsubstantiated following a thorough independent judicial investigation.

The story continues

But Antoniazzi, who once played for Wales as a prop and now represents Gower constituency and is a shadow minister for Labor in Northern Ireland, remains concerned about the testimony.

She compared the evidence to the racism scandal that has gripped cricket following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against Yorkshire, and believes an independent body may be needed to hold Welsh sporting institutions to account.

It is at the level of what happened in cricket. I have very, very serious concerns about the future of women’s rugby in Wales, she told the BBC.

There must be an independent body set up to look into complaints of all complaints when there are issues within the governing bodies, sport governing bodies in Wales. There has to be somewhere to go.

In response to the comments, the WRU said: In relation to MP Tonia Antoniazzi’s comments, the WRU invites the Labor MP for Gower to contact directly on the issues she raises and would be happy to discuss her concerns. .

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