Review reveals 'dysfunctional' and 'toxic' WRU environment

A damning independent review of the Welsh Rugby Union reveals a "toxic" culture of bullying and discrimination and said the organisation was an "unforgiving and even vindictive" place to work.

The review was established in February 2023 after a BBC programme reported allegations from former employees of sexism, discrimination and misogyny and led to the resignation of chief executive Steve Phillips.

His successor Abi Tierney, who takes up the role in January 2024, said the review's report, published on Tuesday, was "incredibly humbling and describes issues, actions and attitudes that are hugely regrettable. They should not exist in our, nor any, workplace.

"Of course, as leaders of the organisation, we all wholeheartedly condemn the attitudes and issues described but we are equally aware that our response needs to be greater than this," she added.

"The fact that we have a report like this from an independent source identifying any issues and problems that exist in our culture is a great opportunity for us to transform the way we work.

"We can feel inspired that everything is out in the open. We can feel empowered that our people know they will be listened to and that we will act proportionately and appropriately to behaviour that is called out in the future. We will implement all of the recommendations of the panel."

The review made more than 30 recommendations, that include the appointment of an oversight body and a better system for handling complaints.

Among its findings it said the WRU lacked the appropriate skills to run a £100m business and that it tried to "manage away" complaints rather than dealing with the underlying issues.

It described the WRU's Board as "dysfunctional, ill-equipped and unable to address the serious