WRU investigation: Welsh Rugby Union chairman Ieuan Evans reacts to ‘distressing’ allegations of bullying and sexism within organisation | Rugby Union News

The chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union, Ieuan Evans, described the allegations of abuse and sex within the organization as “disturbing and painful”, while the Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the WRU should answer questions before the Select Committee.

A BBC Wales investigation broadcast on Monday night looked at allegations made by former WRU staff about their time with the organisation, including racism and homophobia.

Former women’s rugby captain Charlotte Wathan said her friend’s hurtful words left her in tears and sick, while another, who has not been identified, said she was considering suicide because of bullying and sexism.

“I think we can all start with what has been a very frustrating and frustrating thing that happened on Monday, very frustrating for all of us who love the game so much,” Evans told reporters on Wednesday.

“I would like to apologize sincerely and from the bottom of my heart to all those involved.

“As a father of two girls it has really upset me and I can only apologize to everyone who was affected by this.”

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Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens has called for an independent regulator to investigate the Wales Rugby Union amid allegations of sex abuse.

Evans outlined plans to set up a panel to review the agency for creating “the right culture to ensure that it is the host organization that we believe it can be”.

“It’s too early to know the details and the amount and we’re going to do this but we need outside expertise and I believe that,” he said. “We need this. This cannot be an internal review, this must be external and the real expertise we need from other agencies.

“We are not in control of intelligence here. Other organizations, sports, organizations, may have experienced the same thing. We need to learn about this and this comes from knowledge and real expertise.

“I don’t have all the answers here, I have to reach out to others to help with this work, it is my responsibility as the chair that is done.”

“It’s very early days and we don’t know much. We’ll be calling a board meeting soon to discuss our clear-minded approach and reassure our stakeholders, the Welsh Government – we’ve heard the First Minister say this. In the morning as far as we’re concerned, we draw on our experience and these impressive results and we’re making sure there’s a result we can all be proud of.”

Evans was forced to believe that it was time for Steve Phillips to step down because of the allegations and the need for change.

Phillips released a statement promising to review the organisation’s policies and procedures to ensure staff feel safe to speak out about issues that may make them uncomfortable, while also “strongly condemning” sexist, racist and homophobic behavior and admitting that the WRU “has failed.” for showcasing Welsh rugby to the world in the best possible way”.

“We’re all accountable,” Evans said. “This is not about individuals, this is a group. We will fix this with a lot of foreign aid. We all have a responsibility.

“I have a role as chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union which has been an important part of my life, ensuring that the culture is right and giving me joy and happiness. Rugby ultimately affects happiness, community and community length and breadth of our lives. The country to fulfill this important work.

“It doesn’t mean that we ignore the most important things that we have to deal with and we have to make sure that they are, but it’s not about an individual or a single person.

“It’s not about me [or] CEO – this is about the collective responsibility we all have to show culture, behind the scenes I was very upset watching the program that was released on Monday and the news that followed.

“I found it very damaging and I’m not going back.”

Asked if he still had confidence in Phillips, he said: “I have every confidence that we will get it right.

“That includes Steve. He is chief executive of the Wales Rugby Union. We will.”

Evans said the situation is “not about individuals, this is about the community” before stressing the need to “face the challenges together” when it comes to creating public spaces.

“Rugby is a sport that depends a lot on culture and outside the field. We need to make the game more welcoming, and the organization to be more welcoming and cooperative as possible,” he added. “The WRU is a well-known organization in Wales that relies on many positives.

“You work hard to receive that joy, but kindness needs to be renewed, and people now need encouragement. We will overcome the challenges, drive change and bring back trust and faith.

“Every little girl and boy who plays rugby, to every volunteer in the clubs, to everyone involved, the Welsh Government, our loved ones. We have to reassure everyone involved. In the same organisation, our staff, the players.”

Stevens: The WRU must face the people

Welsh MP Stevens described the allegations as “very dangerous and alarming” while agreeing to the idea that the head of the WRU Phillips should be brought to face questions from the Select Committee on Welsh Affairs, explaining the importance of importing.

He also referred to the WRU’s decision not to issue its own independent review of the women’s game and called for the appointment of an independent referee.

“We can’t have the WRU doing its homework, it hasn’t worked so far, there needs to be some independence, some sunshine on what’s happened and what’s going on,” Stevens told Sky Sports.

“What will the WRU say about the changes that have already been made to give confidence? If they are not saying what they are doing then it is not going to build confidence in the leadership of the organisation.

“I think there’s also a genuine debate about whether we should have an independent body for sport in Wales, whether it’s rugby or beyond.

“What we have seen is the case over several years of problems related to the management of sports, whether professional or amateur.

“It’s a very important part of our country’s history and our mentality and our health. I want to make sports open and safe for everyone, including people not only playing the game but the people who play the game.”

Stevens stressed the need for ‘massive change’ and questioned the future of CEO Phillips.

“I think if you look at what I said about leadership and leadership teams, Steve Phillips has been part of the leadership at the WRU for a number of years, he was finance director and then full-time chief executive and now full-time chief executive,” he said. he said. “If I’m Steve Phillips I’m looking at this and thinking ‘Am I inspiring confidence from the supporters, the rugby teams, the players? Am I inspiring confidence to lead the WRU out of a very difficult situation?’ and be honest about it.

“He can test himself. If I’m him I think ‘am I the right person for this? I don’t know that I am’.”

“We’ve seen what the clubs are saying, it’s a great club in Cardiff, we’ve seen it from the supporters, everyone wants it to be successful, everyone wants it to be successful, we want to be proud of every part of the rugby game in Wales.

“This probably means that a big change is needed.”

It has been revealed that Amanda Blanc, the former chair of the Professional Rugby Board, has warned the WRU of the equality and diversity “ticking timebomb” of her resignation in 2021.

Stevens highlighted the need for more female representation at the top of Welsh rugby.

“When we get people like Amanda Blanc we have to keep them and that hasn’t happened here, that tells you about the culture and the things that are going on in the WRU,” he added.

“Let’s have a female voice at the top of the game. We’re not short of talented, successful, talented, business-savvy women in Wales, let’s get them on board.

“Let’s get a team leading the WRU that has all the right things for a business that is a multi-million pound business, a big business and putting Wales on the world stage, we want to be proud.

“For this to happen we need to have the right tools, the right people leading the team and the right culture.

“I feel this is a real opportunity for the WRU now to wipe the slate clean, put the right things in place and prepare, put them in a position not just for 2023 but for the future.”