Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips resigns
Nigel Walker will take over as acting CEO with immediate effect
©PA
The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that chief executive Steve Phillips has resigned from his role as chief executive with immediate effect.
The pressure on Phillips resignation rose after a BBC Wales Investigates programme aired allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia in the WRU.
A number of former WRU employees participated in the programme that was aired on Monday night.
Nigel Walker, who was appointed as performance director by Phillips in 2021 will now act as the interim chief executive with WRU chair Ieuan Evans promising setting up an external task force to address the issue.
“For the moment I need to lead this governance change and work hand in hand with Nigel Walker.
“We have already started the process with Welsh Government and Sport Wales in establishing an independent taskforce.
“It’s now for me as chair of the board and chair of the WRU to go out to the clubs and drive those changes. One[change] is to find an independent chair, my true belief is that this organisation needs that.”
Menawhile, Phillips in a statement released by the WRU said he has handed the resignation with a "huge amount of regret" and wished Walker good luck on his new role.
“It is with a huge amount of regret that I have decided to hand in my resignation," he said.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
