Tanni Grey-Thompson: ‘Bigger discussion’ needed in British sport after Welsh Rugby Union allegations | UK News

Allegations outlined in a documentary will be examined by an investigation in the coming months.

British sport needs a “bigger discussion” after allegations of sexism, homophobia and racism within the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), according to the chairman of one sporting organisation.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, President of Sports Walestestified before a committee of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) on Wednesday morning.

The WRU was the subject of a BBC Wales Investigates program in January which revealed allegations of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism within the organisation.

Its CEO, Steve Phillips, resigned after the documentation.

Speaking to the committee, Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “I think this is a bigger discussion for home countries and British sport as a whole in terms of where we stand.

“Sport, at its best, is held up as absolutely amazing and unbelievable in terms of what it can accomplish, but it is also a microcosm of society and the challenges it brings.

“If one thing emerges from this is that it actually sends a really strong message to the other sports federations and what’s happening with the WRU has resonated with the other home countries and other national bodies that we all need to do something to embrace the culture and look at the -isms in sport.”

The allegations come at a time when some players are also unhappy about the WRU’s direction.

Sam Cross, a Rugby 7s player, wrote on Twitter that “it’s time for players to stand up for themselves” and called for a say in “their own future and how the game is carried on in Wales”.

WRU’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigel Walker, has apologized, adding: “We recognize that we made many mistakes”.

“Deeply upsetting”

The Senedd Committee on Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations heard evidence from Baroness Grey-Thompson and acting CEO of Sport Wales Brian Davies.

Sport Wales is an agency tasked with developing sport and physical activity in the country.

An independent investigation has been announced that will look into the allegations within the WRU.

Dame Anne Rafferty, a former Justice of the Court of Appeal, will chair the independent panel.

Continue reading:
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Steve Phillips resigns
Rugby bosses ban iconic rugby song

Baroness Grey-Thompson hopes the allegations will encourage others to come forward.

“It’s terrible what has happened and it’s deeply disturbing, but if anything positive can come of it, it means other people could come forward and we might come forward and we have an opportunity to look at other governing bodies “, added her .

During the evidence hearing, the former Paralympic and world wheelchair racing champion said: “If we want the sport to develop and grow and we’re going to talk about it having a social impact and all the other things it can do, it can’t so work, he’s just tipping.”

The WRU has encouraged anyone who wishes to contribute to participate in the work of the investigation.