Welsh players body 'appalled' by allegations of sexism and discrimination at WRU

Welsh rugby's players say they are "appalled" by the allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia at the game's governing body in Wales.

A number of former Welsh Rugby Union employees took part in an investigation by BBC Wales - which was screened on Monday night - with accusations about their time at the organisation, detailing claims of a "toxic culture" there.

Charlotte Wathan, general manager of women's rugby until her resignation last February, claims offensive comments by a colleague left her in tears and feeling sick, while another unnamed contributor says she was left contemplating suicide by her experiences of bullying and sexism at work, according to BBC Wales Investigates.

WRU chair Ieuan Evans has vowed that an external taskforce will be established to help tackle the allegations that have been made.

But the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), which represents players at Welsh rugby's four leading teams, Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff, has now called for "the strongest possible action being taken as soon as possible".

A letter signed by players' body chair Ashton Hewitt and chief executive Gareth Lewis said: "We are writing on behalf of the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) to say we are appalled by the recent allegations of misogyny and discrimination in Welsh rugby... we strongly condemn discrimination of any kind.

"As stakeholders in Welsh rugby, we all have a responsibility to actively combat any form of intolerance and discrimination - including misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia - setting an example for the wider community to which our organisations contribute. This is something that begins internally.

"These unacceptable incidents, arising from a culture that enables such