WRU rocked by allegations of sexism and discrimination
The Welsh Rugby Union is facing allegations of sexism and discrimination which have left MP and former Wales international Tonia Antoniazzi expressing “great concerns” over the women’s game in the country.
A number of ex-WRU employees have taken part in an investigation by BBC Wales, to be screened on Monday night, making accusations about their time at the governing body.
Charlotte Wathan, general manager of women’s rugby until her resignation last February, claims offensive comments by a colleague left her in tears and feeling sick, while another unnamed contributor says she was left contemplating suicide by her experiences of bullying and sexism at work, according to BBC Wales Investigates.
Incidents of racism and homophobia are also alleged.
The WRU said that an “amicable resolution” had been reached with Wathan “satisfying both parties” following an investigation by an external law firm. It said a confidentiality agreement between the parties prevented further details.
It noted that another of the complaints had been investigated and subsequently withdrawn, while new information included in the broadcast would be “followed up and acted upon”.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 behaviour has no place in Welsh rugby.”
A statement continued: “It is vitally important to note that we have a duty of care as employers to both the complainants and those complained against.
“That duty of care continues and we are deeply concerned about the effect of this programme on those individuals in respect of the fact the allegations described remain unsubstantiated following a thorough independent legal investigation.”
But Antoniazzi, who once played for Wales as a prop and now represents the Gower constituency and serves as Labour’s shadow Northern Ireland minister, remains concerned by the testimony.
She likened the evidence to the racism scandal which hit cricket following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against Yorkshire, and believes an independent body may be needed to hold sporting institutions in Wales to account.
“This is on a level of what’s happened in cricket. I have great, great concerns about the future of women’s rugby in Wales,” she told the BBC.
“There has to be an independent body set up to look at complaints of… all complaints when there are issues within governing bodies, sporting governing bodies in Wales. There needs to be somewhere to go.”
Responding to those comments, the WRU said: “With respect to the comments made by Tonia Antoniazzi MP, the WRU invites the Labour MP for Gower to make direct contact on the issues she raises and would welcome the opportunity to discuss her concerns.”
Latest Comments
Who he? Background Ed?
Go to commentsReigning world Champion is pretty common in different sports codes.
This might be difficult to grasp for countries who don’t win world championships in any sports. We can’t change things just to suit those countries who aren’t competitive.
In fact. Bringing world rankings in was probably a good way for countries to get recognition for their rankings over time. Of course, the rankings have since introduction still been utterly dominated by the two teams that have one 7/10 world cups between them. So I guess strongly correlated as you’d expect.
Perhaps we should hand out noddy badges next to make you happy?
But I’ll hazard a guess that as soon as a NH team wins a World Cup again, the RWC will be elevated in status.
Much like we are INUNDATED with articles about Ireland’s no.1 status on the world.
It’s very cute.
My prediction for the strongest NH competitor for the 2027 RWC? France.
Go to comments