Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Governance of Elite Rugby Union

Wednesday 1 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have been held informally with Welsh Rugby Union members regarding governance issues in elite rugby union in Wales.
  • Sport is a devolved matter, yet the Minister is willing to work with the Welsh Government and other bodies to address allegations of discrimination and misogyny.
  • Colleagues in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are committed to addressing serious allegations of discrimination within the WRU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from concerns about misogyny allegations within the Welsh Rugby Union and recent contract negotiations with players that have caused worry.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Welsh Government on the adequacy of the governance of elite rugby union in Wales, given grave allegations of misogyny and concern over recent contract negotiations?

Answer from David Davies

Sport is a devolved matter but he has had informal conversations with Nigel Walker and other WRU members. He is appalled by the allegations and willing to work with any body to ensure proper handling of issues, including external bodies set up for this purpose.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids specifics on direct governance measures or timelines.

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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Wales Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question follows up on previous concerns about governance issues within the Welsh Rugby Union, focusing on cross-border collaboration between England and Wales.

Question

What conversations has he had with the Welsh Labour Government to ensure players, fans, and good governance secure rugby union and its elite stars in Wales, given his meetings with English rugby bodies?

Answer from David Davies

Sport is a devolved matter but he has had informal discussions with Nigel Walker and other WRU members. He would be happy to work with the Welsh Government, WRU, or any body to ensure proper handling of allegations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids specifics on direct governance measures or timelines.

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Q3 Anna McMorrin Lab Cardiff North
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from serious allegations of discrimination and misogyny that have caused concern among players, prompting a call for pressure on the WRU to address these issues.

Question

What conversations is he having with his colleagues in DCMS about addressing serious allegations of discrimination and misogyny within the WRU, given victims coming forward?

Answer from David Davies

Sport is a devolved matter but concerns are shared in DCMS. Colleagues there will do everything possible to address such allegations. He would be happy to work with her, the WRU, and others to ensure sport is safe for everyone without discrimination.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids specifics on direct governance measures or timelines.

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