A number of former Welsh Rugby Union employees who joined the BBC Wales investigation make allegations about their time at the governing body; Wales MP and former international Tonia Antoniazzi has expressed ‘great concern’ over the women’s game in the country
Last Updated: 22/01/23 10:15pm
The Welsh Rugby Union is facing allegations of sexism and discrimination prompting Wales MP and former international Tonia Antoniazzi to express “great concern” over the women’s game. in this country.
A number of former staff members of ULIS participated in the investigation of BBC Waleswill be shown on Monday night, making accusations about their time at the governing body.
Charlotte Wathan, general manager of women’s rugby until she resigned last February, claimed a colleague’s insulting comments had left her in tears and feeling nauseous, while another Another unnamed author said she had attempted suicide due to bullying and sexism in the workplace, according to BBC Wales investigate.
Incidents of racism and homophobia were also alleged.
The WRU said it had reached a “conciliatory resolution” with Wathan “to the satisfaction of both parties” following an investigation by an outside law firm. It said a confidentiality agreement between the parties prevented further details.
It noted that one of the other complaints had been investigated and subsequently withdrawn, while new information introduced into the broadcast would be “monitored and processed”.
A spokesman said: “The Rugby Union of Wales condemns the use of racist, homophobic or sexist language and declares in the strongest possible terms that the conduct Racism, homophobia, sexism or bullying has no place in Welsh rugby.”
A statement continued: “It is extremely important to note that we as employers have an obligation to care for both the complainants and those who are complained against.
“That duty of care continues and we are deeply concerned about the impact this program has on those individuals given the fact that the allegations described remain unsubstantiated following a legal investigation. thorough independence.”
But Antoniazzi, who played for Wales as a prop and now represents Gower’s constituency and is Labour’s shadow minister in Northern Ireland, remains concerned about the testimony.
She compares the evidence to the racism scandal that hit cricket following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against Yorkshire and believes an independent body may be needed to force sports organizations in Wales must be responsible.
“This is the extent of what’s happened in cricket. I’m very, very worried about the future of women’s rugby in Wales,” she told BBC.
“There has to be an independent body set up to look at the complaints of… all complaints where there is a problem within the governing bodies, the governing body for sport in Wales. There must be somewhere to settle.”
In response to those comments, the WRU said: “Regarding MP Tonia Antoniazzi’s comments, the WRU invites Labor MP for Gower to contact Gower directly regarding the issues she raised and would welcome the opportunity. to discuss her concerns.”
