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WRU chief executive Steve Phillips resigns after allegations of sexism, misogyny and racism against the governing body… while new interim chief executive Nigel Walker insists Welsh rugby faces a ” existential crisis”.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips has resigned after a turbulent week for the governing body.
sports mail first revealed last March that former WRU employee Charlotte Wathan had made a series of allegations about the treatment she received during her time with the organisation.
She and a handful of her former employees made further allegations against the WRU in a BBC documentary last week, as one of her former colleagues was accused of joking about wanting to ‘rape’ her.
Welsh Rugby Union boss Steve Phillips has resigned after a turbulent week for the governing body
The shocking revelations prompted Cardiff director Hayley Parsons to call for Phillips’ resignation after his handling of issues raised on the show.
Following Phillips’ resignation, chief performance officer Nigel Walker will take over as interim chief executive while the governing body searches for a successor.
The new boss insisted: ‘There is no doubt that Welsh rugby is facing an existential crisis.
‘This has been a wake-up call. Maybe it’s a call that’s been delayed. The first step to any recovery is admitting the problem.
Confirming the news on Sunday, a WRU statement said: ‘Steve Phillips has resigned as chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union.
WRU faces accusations of sexism, misogyny and racism after last week’s BBC show
‘Nigel Walker will assume the role of interim CEO with immediate effect.
‘Current Performance Director Walker has been appointed by WRU President Ieuan Evans and his Board on an interim basis while the recruitment process for a new CEO is established.’
Phillips, who initially pledged to remain as CEO before stepping down this weekend, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to tender my resignation.
Charlotte Wathan made a number of allegations about her treatment during her time at WRU
I have always had the best interests of Welsh rugby at the center of my every action and thought, but have come to the conclusion that now is the time for someone else to lead the way.
“This is a sport that I love and is so admired around the world and I wish everyone involved in the game every success and my best wishes.”
The WRU has insisted that no allegations or accusations were made against Phillips specifically during the BBC programme.
Performance Director Nigel Walker will now take over as CEO on an interim basis.
Wales are currently preparing for the start of their Six Nations campaign, which begins next weekend.
Disappointed by the allegations made against the union, Welsh great Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies said Sunday’s mail: ‘Unfortunately, in Welsh rugby it’s usually a feast or a famine: either we’re winning Grand Slams or it’s a disaster.
‘It will be a distraction for the WRU and they will be watching over them. But Warren Gatland and the players will focus solely on their work. Not great timing or publicity.
“There is no bigger competition than the Six Nations and whatever happens with your contract, if you play well on that big stage, there will always be clubs for you.”
‘The players will have a positive mentality. They will focus on rugby because they can’t influence what happens off the pitch.’
Wales manager Warren Gatland insisted he is “not on top of everything” after the claims.