Welsh rugby’s future at stake over sexism allegations: interim CEO

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Welsh Rugby Union acting chief executive Nigel Walker has warned the future of the game in Wales hangs in the balance following allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia that have rocked the organization .

Allegations of a ‘toxic culture’ at the WRU were aired in a TV documentary last week, leading to the resignation of chief executive Steve Phillips on Sunday.

An independent task force is to be set up to tackle the allegations, with Sport Wales, a body funded by the Welsh Government, advising on the composition and terms of reference of the panel.

Asked how clubs could be persuaded to support change, Walker told a Cardiff press conference on Monday: “You make a compelling case for change because the current situation is not sustainable.

“If we are not ready to change, the future of Welsh rugby and the Welsh Rugby Union is in jeopardy. I cannot put it more bluntly than that.

“We have accepted the need for change and we want to put this change program in place as quickly as possible.”

A number of former WRU employees took part in the BBC Wales investigation.

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

Former Olympic hurdler and Welsh winger Walker, who called the allegations raised in the documentary ‘heartbreaking and despicable’, said the rape allegation had been investigated by a law firm. leading lawyers.

He said: “They came to the conclusion that they could not substantiate the allegation and that the investigation, if required by the task force, would be handed over to them so that they could look into it and that they can say that it was necessary to investigate again.

“If that person needs to be questioned or that person needs to be questioned, we will comply. We open our shop, no questions are on the table. They can have access to everything.”

Walker wants a quick conclusion to the investigation, saying: “Hopefully it would be weeks.”

jw/pb

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