Welsh Rugby Union to Apologize for Contract Handling, Denies Sexism Claims

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) intends to issue an apology for its management of contract discussions with the senior women’s team, while simultaneously rejecting new accusations of sexism. Richard Collier-Keywood, WRU chair, and Abi Tierney, chief executive, acknowledged significant deficiencies in the procedure, stating it was “absolutely clear” that the governing body owed an apology to the athletes. An email, reviewed by the BBC, revealed that players faced threats of exclusion from WXV2 and, subsequently, the following year’s World Cup as negotiations faltered. On 2 August, they received a “final offer” ultimatum, which stipulated that failure to sign within a three-hour timeframe would result in the cancellation of scheduled matches against New Zealand, Scotland, and Australia, and the retraction of the contracts. These recent allegations of sexism and disparity emerge less than a year after a critical independent review scrutinized the WRU’s organizational culture, which was initiated following an investigation by BBC Wales. “This is not a good day for us, we totally accept that. We should have done better and we didn’t, but we have learned our lessons and we will keep trying to improve,” stated Collier-Keywood. The findings and recommendations from a review of the contract negotiation process are anticipated to be released later this month. The WRU was compelled to expedite the release of the review’s conclusions after a report appeared in the Telegraph, external on Thursday. Nevertheless, it has already been disclosed that the report identified the following: * The WRU process for contracts failed to take into account the growth and rapid change of the women’s professional game * The WRU executive leadership accepted it was a mistake to issue a three-hour deadline * Strongly differing views on how to develop women’s rugby in Wales * Players were inexperienced at contract talks but were left isolated * Players considered strike action before the friendly against Scotland on 6 September * A lack of clear communication or transparency around the contract talks which created heightened emotions, made worse by poor behaviour from all parties at different stages * Sexism was not part of the motivation behind any failings Collier-Keywood commented: “There are some sweeping criticisms in the report as well as some strong recommendations of what we need to do differently.” He added: “It is absolutely clear that we do need to apologise and engage with the national players over the recommendations.” He further stated that Nigel Walker, executive director of rugby, who participated in the initial negotiations, had acknowledged that “things should have been done better”. Alison Thorne and Claire Donovan, independent board members of the WRU who were responsible for conducting the review, indicated that despite instances of poor conduct, sexism was not evident. Donovan stated: “I’ve reflected on all the conversations we had with all involved over more than 50 hours and that [sexism] didn’t come out.” She continued: “I had a 15-year playing career in rugby at a time when sexism absolutely was very much a part of how teams were treated, but I honestly did not get a sense that was part of the grievance or decision-making process.” Donovan further remarked: “It was potentially a lack of respect and a lack of understanding of the importance of people’s position of power over that of the employees.” She concluded: “There’s a real determination to make things better for the Wales team but we may have lost our way in some of the conversations going forward.” The WRU has declared an increase in funding for girls’ and women’s rugby by £6m, bringing the total to £26m over the forthcoming five years. The WRU also announced the provision of 37 full-time contracts, asserting with pride that Wales now stands as “one of the best paid international women’s teams in the world game”. However, Jess Kavanagh, a former Wales wing, accused the WRU of blackmail regarding these contracts and expressed ongoing skepticism about whether any lessons would truly be absorbed. She stated: “We’ve been hearing apologies for years about different things happening in the WRU (but) apologies mean nothing until we see change.” Kavanagh added: “The girls are still not happy with the contracts and to be forced to sign your contract, it’s blackmail in itself. “We’re in 2024 and we shouldn’t have that happen in any workplace.” She further commented: “It’s hard to come back from things. Do they still have the same respect for the staff? You have got to respect and want to play for those people.” In 2024, Wales has secured victories in only three of its eleven international matches. The Welsh team has experienced a significant decline in performance, concluding the 2024 Women’s Six Nations at the bottom of the standings with only a single win against Italy. Collier-Keywood suggested that the discord surrounding the contracts was likely a significant contributing factor. He stated: “There was a lot of stress involved in the process which was unnecessary, and I think the performance was affected.” Collier-Keywood added: “People were distracted and that’s our responsibility.” The contracts were ultimately signed just prior to Wales’ departure for South Africa for WXV2 in September; however, this did not prevent Wales from losing their initial two matches. The Welsh government, which had previously expressed strong criticism of the WRU in the wake of last year’s misogyny scandal, conveyed its concern regarding the most recent allegations and indicated its intention to arrange an urgent meeting with the WRU. A spokesperson further commented: “We would always expect our national sporting bodies to lead by example.”