Welsh rugby chief quits over sexism allegations at WRU

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Steve Phillips resigned on Sunday after allegations were made of a "toxic culture" at the governing body.

Phillips stepped down after a turbulent week for the sport in Wales following a BBC documentary that aired allegations of sexism, racism and homophobia at the WRU.

Former Olympic hurdler and Wales wing Nigel Walker was named as caretaker CEO, and he warned of an "existential crisis" for Welsh rugby.

"It is with a huge amount of regret that I have decided to hand in my resignation," Phillips said in a statement issued by the WRU.

"I have always had the best interests of Welsh rugby at the heart of my every action and thought, but have come to the conclusion that it is now time for someone else to lead the way."

In the documentary, shown last week, former general manager for women's rugby Charlotte Wathan spoke of how a male colleague had said in front of others that he wanted to "rape" her and that she had considered suicide due to what she described as a "toxic culture" of sexism at the WRU.

Another unnamed contributor said she was left contemplating suicide by her experiences of bullying and sexism at work.

"No allegations were made against Steve Phillips in the recent BBC programme and he was not accused of any wrongdoing," the WRU statement said.

The four Welsh regional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - had backed calls for the 58-year-old Phillips and the WRU board to resign.

The Welsh Rugby Players Association said on Friday it was "appalled by the allegations" and called for the "strongest possible action".

'Existential crisis'

Walker, who won 17 caps in the 1990s, was brought in by Phillips as performance director in July 2021 and now steps up to interim CEO.

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