The WRU apologizes for litigating contracts but denies allegations of sexism

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has apologized for its handling of contract negotiations with the senior women’s team but has rejected fresh allegations of sexism.

WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney admitted serious mistakes in the process and that it was “absolutely clear” the governing body should apologize to the players.

It was claimed that the players were threatened with withdrawal from the Rugby World Cup.

The players were given a three-hour ultimatum to sign the contract amid threats that the women’s national team would go on strike before the game against Scotland in August.

The new claims of sexism and inequality come less than a year after the convict’s independent review of his culture, following a BBC Wales investigation.

“It’s not a good day for us, we fully accept that. We should have done better and we didn’t, but we’ve learned our lessons and we’ll keep trying to improve,” Collier-Keywood said .

A review of the contract negotiation process is expected to publish its recommendations later this month.

More to come