Appalled Welsh players demand strongest possible action over WRU allegations

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Welsh rugby players say they are appalled by allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia within the governing body of the games in Wales.

A number of former Welsh Rugby Union employees took part in a BBC Wales investigation which was screened on Monday night with accusations about their time with the organization, detailing allegations of a toxic culture there -low.

Charlotte Wathan, managing director of women’s rugby until her resignation last February, has told how a male colleague said in front of others in an office that he wanted to rape her, while another anonymous contributor said that she was contemplating suicide because of her bullying experiences. and sexism at work.

WRU President Ieuan Evans promised an external task force would be set up to help tackle the allegations that have been made.

But the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), which represents players from the four top Welsh rugby teams, Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff, has now called for the strongest measures to be taken as soon as possible.

A letter signed by player body chairman Ashton Hewitt and chief executive Gareth Lewis said: We are writing on behalf of the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) to say that we are appalled by the recent allegations of misogyny and discrimination in Welsh rugby, we strongly condemn discrimination. of any kind.

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, setting an example for the community at broad sense to which our organizations contribute. It is something that begins within.

These unacceptable incidents, stemming from a culture that allows such behavior, have a profound impact on individuals and communities across society, and within the game we love.

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Ieuan Evans is to be questioned in the Senedd over the allegations (David Davies/PA)

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.

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Otherwise, discriminatory behavior without condemnation or 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 undertaken when the allegations were initially raised and review the results.

We also call for transparency with all stakeholders and the public regarding the outcome of the review that we believe will now be conducted in the WRU culture, 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 action be taken as soon as possible, to address the wide-ranging concerns that have been expressed across the game and our country.

Without appropriate 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.

Evans is to be questioned in the Senedd over the allegations, with the former Wales wing and Welsh Government deputy sport minister Dawn Bowden invited to a sports committee meeting on Thursday.

The couple met on Friday to discuss the independent working group, with Sport Wales interim chief executive Brian Davies, Sport Wales chairman Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and WRU chief executive Steve Phillips , also present.

Phillips, who said in a statement earlier this week that our culture is not where it needs to be, has faced calls for his resignation over the allegations.

A letter sent to Evans on Thursday demanding the immediate removal of Phillips and the entire WRU board has been endorsed by all four Welsh regions.

A Union statement released on Friday evening says that, in order to maintain its independence, Sport Wales will advise on the process of appointing a chairman to oversee the investigation, define its scope and parameters and recruit key staff in his panel.

Evans said: We look forward to moving this investigation forward as soon as possible and greatly welcome the contributions of all participants today.

The meeting discussed urgent next steps and concluded that the survey will focus on culture and behaviors.

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