(Reuters) – Acting Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Nigel Walker has apologised for the governing body’s handling of allegations of sexism and misogyny, after predecessor Steve Phillips resigned on Sunday.
In a BBC Wales documentary, several former female WRU employees made allegations about comments and behaviour that they said were sexist and discriminatory.
WRU Chairman Ieuan Evans has committed to setting up an external task force to examine the accusations.
“The tone of the Welsh Rugby Union today is one of contrition, remorse and apology to those employees who went through what they went through and a desire to get things right,” former Wales international Walker told the BBC.
“We recognise we have fallen short of the high standards that are necessary. We apologise, we recognise we’ve made many mistakes. We’re now not looking at how we can mitigate the furore that has come our way.”
The WRU has said no allegations were made against Phillips in the documentary and that he was “not accused of any wrongdoing”.
“I have always had the best interests of Welsh rugby at the heart of my every action and thought, but have come to the conclusion that it is now time for someone else to lead the way,” said Phillips in a statement.
“I am absolutely aligned with Ieuan’s commitment to re-examine and further improve the cultures and behaviours at the WRU and fully support the formation of a new independent taskforce.”
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
