3 weeks ago
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The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is to apologise for its handling of contract negotiations with the senior women's team, but has refuted fresh allegations of sexism.
WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney admitted serious failings in the process and that it was "absolutely clear" the governing body should say sorry to players.
It has been claimed players were threatened with being withdrawn from the Rugby World Cup.
Players were dealt a three-hour ultimatum to sign contracts amid threats that the women's national squad would go on strike before the match against Scotland in September.
The new claims of sexism and inequality come less than a year after a damning independent review into the WRU's culture following a BBC Wales investigation.
"This is not a good day for us, we totally accept that. We should have done better and we didn’t, but we have learned our lessons and we will keep trying to improve," said Collier-Keywood.
A review of the contract negotiation process is expected to publish its recommendations later this month.
The WRU has been forced to bring forward publication of the review's findings following a report in the Telegraph, external on Thursday.
However, it has already revealed that the report found:
The WRU process for contracts failed to take into account the growth and rapid change of the women’s professional game
The WRU executive leadership accepted it was a mistake to issue a three-hour deadline
Strongly differing views on how to develop women’s rugby in Wales
Players were inexperienced at contract talks but were left isolated
Players considered strike action before the friendly against Scotland on 6 September
A lack of clear communication or transparency around the contract talks which created heightened emotions, made worse by poor behaviour from all parties at different stages
Sexism was not part of the motivation behind any failings
Collier-Keywood said it was the WRU's intention to sit down with the players over the coming weeks to deliver the apologies.
"It is absolutely clear that we need to apologise," he said.
"We had a meeting with them to let them know that was our intention and to share with them some of the recommendations.
"As part of that engagement, I will be apologising as will other members of the leadership."
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