Welsh Rugby Union members vote overwhelmingly in favour of reforms following allegations of sexism, racism and misogyny within the governing physique
- Solely 7 of the 252 votes forged didn’t vote in favour of the governance reforms
- WRU will now appoint an impartial non-executive director (INED) as chair
- Governing physique confronted allegations of sexism and misogyny after investigation
Welsh Rugby Union member golf equipment voted overwhelmingly in favour of governance reforms at an Extraordinary Normal Assembly on Sunday.
Of the 252 votes forged both on the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot or by proxy, solely seven didn’t vote in favour, that means the 75 per cent majority wanted was comfortably exceeded.
The WRU will now appoint an impartial non-executive director (INED) as chair and recruit two additional new INEDs to its 12-person board, doubling the full variety of impartial representatives to 6, with the general aspiration to make sure no less than 5 administrators are ladies.
Interim chief govt Nigel Walker stated: ‘That is just the start of a journey which can see the belief and religion of a nation in Welsh rugby restored and revitalised.’
The governing physique confronted allegations of sexism and misogyny following a BBC Wales investigation in addition to accusations of racism and homophobia, with Walker’s predecessor Steve Phillips resigning following criticism of the WRU’s dealing with of these allegations.

Welsh Rugby Union member golf equipment voted overwhelmingly in favour of governance reforms

Interim chief govt Nigel Walker is hoping belief and religion of a nation in Welsh rugby restored and revitalised
Earlier makes an attempt at instigating comparable adjustments didn’t meet with adequate approval from golf equipment however WRU officers pushed closely for a optimistic end result this time, arguing one other failure might have critical repercussions.
Chair Ieuan Evans stated following the vote: ‘I am delighted with the help members have proven for the board’s advice in the present day.
‘We now have a line within the sand from which we intend to maneuver ahead purposefully, swiftly and higher ready to serve Welsh rugby’s wants. That is one other historic day within the 142-year historical past of the WRU.
‘From this second on we can be a lot better geared up to beat any challenges we might face and I thank all members for giving us the instruments to do a greater job on their behalf.
‘The repercussions of a optimistic vote in the present day are nothing in need of momentous and I’m genuinely excited concerning the latent potential of our nationwide sport in any respect ranges.
‘We are going to draft in the perfect expertise to assist our elected board members. Every with a real and heartfelt curiosity and love for our sport. But additionally with the enterprise experience, various expertise and acumen to see Welsh rugby soar.’

Chair Ieuan Evans says he is delighted that the board’s advice has been adopted
Golf equipment had been involved a couple of lack of energy, and within the new board configuration 4 members will nonetheless come from the WRU Council, which is totally elected by member golf equipment.
One new director function can be for somebody who can help and additional the ladies’s sport.
Walker added: ‘We hope to finish the method for change by December this 12 months, however the first steps can be taken instantly.
‘There’s lots of onerous work forward of us however it is a genuinely uplifting second within the historical past of our sport.’