England rugby legend Maggie Alphonsi MBE has been added to an independent review panel which will investigate allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia within the Welsh Rugby Union.
The independent review began on February 13, and will consider the period from 2017 to the present, but any emerging evidence may prompt the chair to adapt the timeframe.
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.
In a programme titled BBC Wales Investigates: Welsh Rugby Under the Spotlight, Charlotte Wathan, the former general manager for women's rugby at the WRU, alleged a male colleague said, in her hearing and in front of other members of WRU staff in an office, that he wanted to “rape” her. Ms Wathan claims a senior manager witnessed the comment but said nothing.
This has sparked a review which will be administered by Sports Resolutions and will be chaired by former court of appeal judge Dame Anne Rafferty DBE PC.
She will be joined by former international rugby union player Alphonsi MBE and SR panel member and mediator Quentin Smith. Public lawyer David Lawson of Serjeant’s Inn 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.
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