The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is facing new allegations of sexism and inequality. It has allegedly threatened to withdraw the senior women’s team from the World Cup if players do not sign new contracts. Contract negotiations have been ongoing over the year with pay being at the forefront of the conflict. The players threatened to go on strike over contract disputes, and the WRU responded by giving a three-hour deadline to sign the contracts. The consequences of not signing were being withdrawn from the WXV2 tournament in South Africa and the World Cup next year.
It is alleged that the WRU repeatedly refused to meet players’ requests during contract negotiations, and threatened them with disciplinary action, leaving many players feeling emotionally unwell. Other claims include that player requests for bespoke, performance-based maternity policy, upgraded salaries, guaranteed boot allowance, and nutrition supplements were almost all refused. The Union refutes the claim that player proposals were not met, with a full bespoke maternity policy being finalised as part of the new contracts.
This comes a year after an independent review that found aspects of the WRU environment to be sexist, misogynistic, racist, and homophobic. After these allegations, the WRU chief, Steve Phillips resigned and Abi Tierney replaced him, becoming the first female chief. Tierney promised to “not only fix the issues identified but also to build a culture and values that we can all be proud of ”. However, as part of the recent claims, it is alleged that Tierney did not want to pay travelling reserve players. The WRU disproved this claim and has denied allegations of sexism but says it will apologise to its female players for how they have dealt with contract negotiations.
Richard Collier-Keywood, chair of the WRU, said: “It is our intention to sit down properly with the players over the course of the next couple of weeks and deliver the apology.” However, Collier-Keywood urged it was not sexist: “We basically chatted to the women about that and that word just did not come up. I know people want to use labels but it is probably an unhelpful label because that is not representative. WRU board member Claire Donovan also denied sexism allegations: “There are all sorts of things we absolutely could have done better and there are all sorts of hurt that we need to talk to but I genuinely don’t believe the decisions that were made were driven by sexism.”
A joint statement issued by the WRA said: “Having represented the Wales Women’s team this year, we have been blown away by their bravery, determination, and unwavering commitment to collectively improving not only their own working conditions, but those of the future generations of players in Wales.” It further stated: “We are proud to have been able to support this group of women through such a challenging time and look forward to seeing what they continue to achieve in such an exciting year for women’s rugby.”