Wales’ four professional sides have issued a joint public statement demanding the Welsh Rugby Union shows the leadership they say "has been absent" for a number of years.
Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets, along with the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association, spoke out after the findings of the independent review of the WRU were published on Tuesday. The report found parts of the organisation's culture to be sexist, misogynistic, racist and homophobic and not properly challenged.
It also identified elements of bullying and discrimination, while the governance was found to have not been been fit for purpose. A total of 36 recommendations were made, all of which are accepted and being acted upon by the Union. Get the latest Welsh rugby news by signing up to our newsletter here
Senior figures at the four Welsh regions have been openly critical about the way the game in Wales has been run, and supported reforms being made to change the make-up of the WRU board and bring in a number of professional, independently-appointed people.
The Union has undergone massive change since the bombshell allegations first emerged last year. They saw former CEO Steve Phillips ousted, with Abi Tierney replacing him. A new independent chairman in Richard Collier-Keywood has also been brought in.
In a statement on Wednesday, the four Welsh sides and players' association said: "Wales’ four professional clubs - Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets Rugby - and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association welcome the findings of the independent review of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
"Thirty-six recommendations have been made by the panel, which was led by former High Court judge Dame Anne Rafferty, and also included former England international Maggie Alphonsi and mediator and former Sale Sharks chair Quentin Smith.
"The professional game in Wales has called for reform for many years, because it was clear that change was needed. We unanimously support the sentiments captured within the letters of Amanda Blanc and Hayley Parsons OBE and we are now grateful to the expert panel for their recommendations.
READ MORE:Welsh rugby's 36 recommendations in full as WRU commit to implementing them all
"It is both critical these recommendations are implemented promptly, but also that the WRU focuses and displays the strong leadership that has been absent on the many challenges that have faced our game post the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This collaborative support includes a strong demand for the recommended clear equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, with demonstrable visible and vocal leadership
"All four professional clubs, as well as the Welsh Rugby Players Association, now look forward to working with the newly appointed WRU board and executive to deliver a long-term strategy for the game at all levels and a culture of transparency, accountability and success.
"A successful professional game in Wales is not only the goal, but a necessity to drive revenue to sustain and develop the game at all levels."
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