Here are the latest rugby headlines on Friday, June 2.
WRU report due when World Cup is on
The independent inquiry into the culture at the Welsh Rugby Union following allegations of sexism and misogyny is expected to deliver its full findings as Wales head to France for the Rugby World Cup.
A number of people have been interviewed by Dame Anne Rafferty's investigation over the past few months, with more interviews still to take place.
Interim WRU chief executive Nigel Walker confirmed to regional supporters at a meeting last month the probe is due to be completed in "three to four months". The minutes of the meeting with members of the Joint Supporters' Group have only just been published.
Wales play three warm-up matches in August before heading to France in September, where they will remain into October.
Former Court of Appeal judge Dame Rafferty is chairing the review panel examining the culture and behaviours at the organisation. It began in February following bombshell claims by former employees in a BBC Wales investigation and the WRU says it intends to publish the review's findings and recommendations in full.
The review will examine the culture within the WRU, the actions and behaviour of leadership (at all levels), the WRU's actions in response to individual complaints set out in the BBC Wales Investigates programme, the extent to which employees feel able to voice concerns or to challenge inappropriate and discriminatory language and behaviour, and the effectiveness of the WRU’s whistleblowing policy and procedures.
The WRU have already taken a number of steps to improve working practices ahead of the report's findings. The Union has designated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) champions on the main board and executive board, has established a whistle-blowing hotline and formed an ED&I steering group.
UK Government steps in to stabilise rugby
By Damian Spellman, PA
The UK Government has appointed independent advisers to support rugby union chiefs in England as they attempt to preserve the future of the professional game.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced former Rugby Football League CEO Ralph Rimmer and UK Sport's Chris Pilling will support the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited in their efforts to reshape the game's "future strategic financial and sporting direction".
The move comes with London Irish facing suspension from the Gallagher Premiership unless a takeover has been completed or they can demonstrate they have the funding needed to operate for the entirety of the 2023-24 season by June 6, following the recent failures of Worcester and Wasps.
A DCMS statement said: "The issues at Worcester, Wasps and London Irish have laid bare the challenges facing the sport of rugby union.
"The inability of rugby clubs to raise capital investment and the financial challenges at various levels within the game have contributed to the need for urgent work to help secure rugby union's immediate future and advise on its future direction."
The Government stepped in to support rugby at elite and grassroots levels during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many clubs are still dealing with the impact.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew added: "This is a challenging time for rugby union and Ralph and Chris have agreed to utilise their experience to help the game develop a clear path for the future.
"We have seen several high-profile clubs and their fans left devastated in recent times and this additional independent advice will be of huge benefit to the RFU and PRL as they look to implement a new strategic direction for rugby."
AWJ says goodbye to Ospreys
Alun Wyn Jones has confirmed he will not be an Ospreys player next season.
The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain announced his retirement from international rugby last month after making a world-record 170 Test match appearances.
There had been no indication about whether he intended to play on for the Ospreys or join another team, although Jones has now hinted he could continue on the domestic stage next term.
Since announcing his Test retirement, Jones captained the Barbarians against a World XV and then his first club Swansea.
"Whatever's next, if something pops up, there might be something domestic. I won't be back with the Ospreys," Jones told The Barbarians Show podcast.
"But if nothing does, I can be pretty happy with my innings anyway, but we will see what comes in the next few months."
Poll: How far will Wales go at the World Cup? Have your say here or below
Top ref dismayed by video footage
Top English rugby official Luke Pearce has spoken of his dismay at the video showing English football referee Anthony Taylor and his family being abused by Roma fans.
Footage emerged of him being accosted by angry fans at Budapest Airport. Taylor and his family can be seen trying to evade a mob, who were shouting at him as he travelled home after refereeing Wednesday night's Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla in the Hungarian capital.
The Premier League official was criticised for his performance in the final by Roma boss Jose Mourinho during his post-match press conference after the Italian side lost on penalties to Sevilla.
And in video footage which later emerged on social media, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager is seen gesticulating at Taylor and officials in the stadium car park and heard saying "disgrace".
In the incident at the airport, clips on Twitter show a chair and drinks being thrown in the direction of Taylor and his group as they make their way through a gathering of Roma fans.
Pearce said: “I’m not sure what’s worse. The actions or the comments to the video. Regardless of your job, surely you should be allowed to travel peacefully with your family? What is happening in the world?”
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