The Welsh Rugby Union is facing allegations of a “toxic culture” of sexism after one ex-rugby boss claimed a male colleague said he wanted to “rape” her.
Several former WRU employees took part in a BBC programme titled “BBC Wales Investigates: Welsh Rugby Under the Spotlight” that aired on Monday night, where accusations were made over concerning incidents during their time working for the governing body.
Charlotte Wathan, the former general manager of women’s rugby, said in the documentary that she was left in tears and felt sick after the “rape” comment was allegedly made during a meeting in front of other WRU members of staff.
Another female ex-WRU employee, who was unnamed, says she contemplated taking her own life as a result of her experience of bullying and sexism in the workplace. There were also alleged incidents of racism and homophobia.
The WRU have said that both cases were investigated and that an ‘amicable resolution’ had been reached with Ms Wathan ‘satisfying both parties.’ But a ‘confidentiality agreement’ means the governing body cannot publicly respond to specific allegations.
It was also stated that new allegations made would be ‘followed up’ with either ‘internal or external investigations’.
A WRU spokesperson said: “The Welsh Rugby Union condemns the use of racist, homophobic or sexist language and states in the strongest possible terms that racism, homophobic, sexist or bullying behaviour has no place in Welsh rugby.”
A WRU statement issued to BBC Wales continued: “It is vitally important to note that we have a duty of care as employers to both the complainants and those complained against.
“That duty of care continues and we are deeply concerned about the effect of this programme on those individuals in respect of the fact the allegations described remain unsubstantiated following a thorough independent legal investigation.”
Wales head coach Warren Gatalnd fielded questions about allegations made on the broadcast towards the WRU at Monday’s Six Nations launch event.
“It’s difficult when you are in a team environment, that’s the only dealings you get, with your coaches and players on a daily basis,” he said.
“Those things only came to light to me over the last few days. I was pretty unaware of everything, and I am just trying to get up to date with everything as well. All I can say is, it’s easy to ask those questions, but there’s always two sides to every story. You probably know more about it than I do.”
