'No evidence' WRU contract dispute 'arose from sex discrimination', report finds

An independent review has ruled out sexism as the reason behind a dispute over contracts between Wales' women rugby team and the WRU.

The report authors have pointed to a 'process, governance and leadership failing' in the handling of contract negotiations that led to mistrust between players and the coaching staff.

Following the recommendations, the WRU say it has apologised to players and a new lead appointment in the women's game will be made in the new year.

In September, Welsh rugby's governing body announced that 37 of its elite female players had signed fresh professional contracts, stating the deal was one of the most lucrative in the women’s game.

This WRU’s latest review looked into the manner in which the negotiations were conducted.

After a long-standing impasse in talks, WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood received a letter from the women’s squad voicing its concerns in early August.

This came after the squad was set a three-hour deadline by the WRU executive to sign their new deals or risk being pulled out of matches, which in turn would have jeopardised the team’s qualification for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The executive has since apologised to the board for this and accepted it was an error.

The report reads: "All parties entered it with the aim of delivering more for Women's rugby in Wales, each had different views as to what this entailed.

"The Rugby Leadership failed to deliver a well planned and executed contract renewal process. The 2024 action was built on knowledge and understanding from 2022 and failed to build in either effective player listening or effective engagement with a selected third party.

"This was a process, governance and leadership failing. There was no evidence that it arose from sex discrimination".

“This review has been hugely informative and its recommendations will significantly advance the women’s and girls’ game in Wales,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.

“It is important and right to note that apologies have been made on behalf of the WRU for our role in protracted negotiations.

“By bringing matters to our attention in August, our players have been instrumental in helping us establish a new way of working together and they have brought about changes which will pay dividends to those that follow them long into the future.

“The job is not complete but we are confident that we are now in a good place and, with a new head coach due to be appointed in January, the Wales Women’s national squad can look forward to the New Year with enthusiasm and optimism about what it may bring.

“We have been humbled by this process but we are not jaded by it. We are confident that a positive outcome has been achieved and are grateful to all those who have participated for their honesty and constructive input.

"The WRU has kept its Oversight Group appraised of developments and expects them to continue to be interested in the ongoing changes."