The Welsh Government should ensure that any future funding for the WRU complies with all aspects of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence strategy and the Economic Contract, the Senedd’s Sport Committee has said today.
The Committee is also calling for the Welsh Government to review how Ministers and civil servants respond to concerns raised with them regarding inappropriate behaviour in organisations in Wales.
Earlier this year the Committee called in WRU chairman Ieuan Evans, interim chief executive Nigel Walker and the Welsh Government Minister responsible for sport, Dawn Bowden MS, to answer crucial questions about the allegations. The Committee also took evidence from Sport Wales officials.
Today the Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee has published a report, following evidence sessions looking at allegations concerning the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
The report has outlined a number of recommendations for the WRU and the Welsh Government following a January 2023 BBC documentary, covering serious allegations about sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism in the WRU.
Delyth Jewell MS, Chair of the Committee said:
“We are clear, if organisations do not comply with strategies to tackle violence against women and sexual violence then they must not receive taxpayers’ money.
“The issues that arose in the BBC programme were seriously concerning and following our evidence gathering we have today provided recommendations for the WRU and Welsh Government to ensure this never happens again.
“Sport must always be a welcoming place for all and the Committee is determined to ensure that all those who participate and work within sport in Wales can do so without fear of prejudice or discrimination.
“We are pleased so far to see some progress and the initial actions taken by the WRU. As a committee we will continue to engage with the WRU and the Welsh Government on their progress in tackling these issues.”
