Wales: Steve Phillips resigns as Welsh Rugby Union chief executive

Steve Phillips has resigned as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive officer amid allegations of a “toxic culture” at the organisation.

Philipps initially resisted calls for his resignation after a documentary aired allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia at the game’s governing body in Wales. He has been replaced by former Olympic hurdler and Wales wing Nigel Walker who moves up from the union’s performance director to take the acting CEO position with immediate effect.

Toxic culture

Several WRU employees took part in an investigation by BBC Wales with accusations about their time at the organisation, detailing claims of a “toxic culture” there.

General manager of women’s rugby until her resignation last February, Charlotte Wathan, spoke of how a male colleague said in front of others in an office that he wanted to “rape” her. Another unnamed contributor said she was left contemplating suicide by her experiences of bullying and sexism at work.

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WRU chair Ieuan Evans vowed that an external task force will be established to help tackle the allegations. Phillips attended the meeting about the new task force but had since decided it was “time for someone else to lead the way”.

Resignation

“It is with a huge amount of regret that I have decided to hand in my resignation,” said Phillips in WRU’s statement.

“I have always had the best interests of Welsh rugby at the heart of my every action and thought, but have come to the conclusion that it is now time for someone else to lead the way.

“This is a sport I love and is so admired around the world and I wish everyone involved in the game every success and my heartfelt best wishes.

“I am absolutely aligned with Ieuan’s commitment to re-examine and further improve the cultures and behaviours at the WRU and fully support the formation of a new independent Taskforce. I am pleased I have been able to start this process for the WRU.

“On a personal note, I wish Nigel Walker well and thank all of the dedicated staff at the WRU who can be extremely proud of the efforts and hard work they put in on a daily basis to the betterment of our game.

“I am on record already saying how much I hugely regret the feelings and emotions expressed recently by former members of staff.”