Welsh Rugby Union: ‘Appalled’ Welsh players want ‘strong action’ over discrimination claims

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Ashton Hewitt is a much loved wing of the Welsh Region Dragoons

Welsh rugby players have joined the chorus of criticism sparked by allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia within the game’s governing body, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Players’ corps chairman Ashton Hewitt and chief executive Gareth Lewis have written to WRU chairman Ieuan Evans.

In the letter, Hewitt and Lewis say they are “appalled” by the allegations.

They also support “that the strongest possible measures be taken as soon as possible”.

The WRU was invited to comment on the WRPA letter.

Meanwhile, Evans is to be questioned in the Senedd on the charges.

The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) represents players from the four leading Welsh rugby teams, Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff.

Hewitt and Lewis say they sent a letter “on behalf of” WRPA members to Evans over the allegations within the WRU, highlighted by a BBC Wales Investigates program this week.

“He joked that he wanted to rape me”, claims Charlotte Wathan

The letter reads: “The WRPA, as a membership organization, is committed to representing, promoting, developing and protecting our members and contributing to a safe, fair and inclusive rugby environment for all.

“As stakeholders in Welsh rugby, we all have a responsibility to actively combat all forms of intolerance and discrimination – including misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia – by setting an example for the community. in the broad sense that our organizations contribute to. It’s something that starts internally .

“These unacceptable incidents, resulting from a culture that allows such behaviors, have a profound impact on individuals and communities across society, and in the game we love.

“It is time for the WRU and its leaders to take real responsibility for upholding the inclusive values ​​that rugby claims to be proud of.

“Otherwise, discriminatory behavior, with a lack of condemnation and consequences, creates an environment that discourages people from being part of our game, including but not limited to women and people from marginalized groups.

“Specifically, we urge the WRU to investigate the process that was carried out when the allegations were originally raised and review the results.

We will address the issues we need to address – Ieuan Evans, WRU President

“We also call for transparency with all stakeholders and the public regarding the outcome of the review that we believe will now be conducted within the culture of the WRU, and the solutions that will be put in place as a result, to ensure that such events are avoided in the future.

“Ultimately, we support that the strongest possible measures be taken as soon as possible, to address the wide-ranging concerns that have been expressed across the game and our country.

“Without proper action being taken, this sends a clear message to victims of sexism, misogyny, racism and any other form of discrimination that they are not protected and supported by those in leadership positions.

“Otherwise rugby is not really an inclusive sport.”

The allegations led to calls for the resignation of WRU chief executive Steve Phillips.

Political figures have joined these calls while WRU sponsors have also expressed concern over the revelations.

Within Welsh rugby, Cardiff manager and businesswoman Hayley Parsons has called on Phillips and the rest of the WRU board to leave their posts.

His email to WRU chairman Evans was backed by all four Welsh regions and prompted him to say the WRU is “not deaf to the comments and criticisms” it has received.

Evans also pointed out that the WRU was setting up an “external task force” to review its “culture, systems and structures”.

“We have to respond to the public scrutiny we’re under right now, but it’s also the right thing to do. We’re listening,” he added.

WRU plans to go public with women’s rugby review – chief executive Phillips

Amid growing calls for resignation Phillips has faced over the governing body’s handling of complaints, the 58-year-old apologized but said he was still the best person to lead the WRU and did not take his position into account.

President Evans also supported him to continue in this role.

Two women complained about a toxic culture, while another former employee overheard a racist term used during a work meeting.

Former Wales women’s rugby manager Charlotte Wathan said she was considering suicide and said a male colleague joked in front of others in an office that he wanted the ” violate”.

The WRU says the charge has been independently investigated and remains unsubstantiated and cannot comment further due to a court settlement.

It has since emerged that Amanda Blanc, who chaired the Welsh Rugby Professional Council between 2019 and 2021, warned the WRU he had a problem before the sexism allegations emerged.

Ms Blanc, now chief executive of insurance company Aviva, told the WRU she had “deep-rooted” culture and behavioral issues, that a review commissioned by the women’s gaming union was “insulting for women” and warned of a “ticking time bomb” equality and diversity.

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