WRU reveals panel to help investigate sexism allegations

NEWS: England women’s player Maggie Alphonsi has been included in the panel that will investigate allegations of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism at the Welsh Rugby Union.

The panel will also look at the organisational culture and behaviours of WRU leadership at all levels of the game in Wales.

The independent review panel will be chaired by SR panel member and former Court of Appeal judge Dame Anne Rafferty, while Quentin Smith will be the mediator.

Public lawyer David Lawson will act as Counsel to the Inquiry.

A Commissioning Advisory Group (CAG) has also been established to support the Review, comprising of Henry Englehardt as a representative from the WRU and Emma Wilkins as a representative from Sport Wales.

Louise Reilly, a sport-specialist barrister, will act as a third independent member nominated by Sport Resolutions. The role of the CAG is to monitor progress and consider and reflect on the Terms of Reference in response to emerging findings of the Panel.

The WRU revealed that the “independent review began on February 13, and will consider the period from 2017 to the present, however emerging evidence may prompt the Chair to adapt the timeframe.”

The Independent Review Panel also encourage more people to contribute to the process.

“It is investigating allegations of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism and will also examine the organisational culture and behaviours of leadership at all levels at the WRU.

“The Independent Review Panel is grateful to the people who have already started to send information to the review team. The Panel wants to encourage contributions to the Review and will make the process as easy as possible for each individual. The Panel would also welcome contact and contributions from those who wish to remain anonymous.”

The WRU promised further announcements in the coming week about the approach and progress of the review.