WRU chief resigns amid “toxic culture” claims as Welsh rugby faces “crisis”
Wales Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips has resigned from his role amid accusations of 'toxic culture' within the governing body.
Welsh rugby has found itself in crisis after a documentary aired allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia at the game’s governing body in Wales. Amid the claims there were a number of calls for Phillips to walk away from the governing body, but the CEO resisted resignation, until now.
Phillips confirmed his resignation via a statement on Sunday. He said: "It is with a huge amount of regret that I have decided to hand in my resignation.
“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. This is a sport I love and is so admired around the world and I wish everyone involved in the game every success and my heartfelt best wishes."
A recent BBC investigation saw a number of former employees speak out and make claims about the culture within the WRU, with Charlotte Wathan - the former general manager of women’s rugby - alleging that a male colleague said in front of others in an office that he wanted to 'rape her'.
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The WRU has been rocked by the allegations (Getty Images)Phillips has been immediately replaced by Nigel Walker, who has stepped up from performance director into the acting CEO role. Following his appointment, Walker claimed that the governing body found itself in an 'existential crisis'.
He said: "There is no doubt that Welsh rugby is facing an existential crisis. This has been a wake-up call. Perhaps it is a call that has been overdue.
"The first step to any recovery is admitting the problem. We must now listen intently to what people from outside our organisation are telling us.
Nigel Walker has warned of an "existential crisis" (Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans/REX/Shutterstock)"We care and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we work hard in this space with dedicated resource and investment. But we need to do better. We need to do much better and we will.”
His predecessor Phillips wished the new CEO luck in his new post, and claimed he 'hugely regrets' the way in which former employees were treated.
He commented: "On a personal note, I wish Nigel Walker well and thank all of the dedicated staff at the WRU who can be extremely proud of the efforts and hard work they put in on a daily basis to the betterment of our game. I am on record already saying how much I hugely regret the feelings and emotions expressed recently by former members of staff.”
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