THE political pressure on the Welsh Rugby Union was raised further today as the Welsh Parliament’s sports committee considered an inquiry into the allegations of misogyny and sexism.

The pressure for political action came after a BBC Wales documentary revealed a toxic culture at the WRU. A former boss at Welsh women’s rugby said she considered suicide because of what she claimed was a “toxic culture” of sexism.

Charlotte Wathan also said a male colleague said in front of others in an office that he wanted to “rape” her.

Another former WRU employee said she wrote a manual for her husband in case she killed herself.

In light of the revelations, politicians from across the political divide in Wales united to urge the Senedd’s sports committee to open a formal inquiry.

The Morning Star had asked the sports committee chair, Delyth Jewell, for a statement but the committee’s members were still discussing the issue and had not made a decision at the time this article was published. 

Opposition leader Andrew Davies told the Senedd in First Minister questions that he had written to the sports committee’s chair asking for it to set up an inquiry.

First Minister Mark Drakeford agreed and said: “I think that there is a potential role for a Senedd committee in helping to secure a path for the WRU to a better future by using the powers that a committee here has to look into the allegations.” 

Former First Minister Carwyn Jones also wanted a formal inquiry and explained that the committee had the power to subpoena witnesses.

Equalities minister Jane Hutt speaking in the Senedd called the WRU institutionally misogynistic and sexist and praised the courage of the women in going public.

Plaid Cymru’s sports spokeswoman Heledd Fychan wanted action taken over the claims.

“The appalling claims of sexism and misogyny that have come to light raise grave questions for the WRU,” Ms Fychan said.

“Until the issues are dealt with and there is a change of culture, the Welsh government should consider whether it is appropriate for the WRU to receive any further public money,” she said.

Those potential financial pressures increased for the WRU as a major Welsh rugby sponsor, the Principality Building Society, also called for action.

Brewing giant Heineken is also a WRU partner and said it is “extremely concerned” by the claims.

A statement added: “There is no room for discrimination of any kind in sport, and as a company that celebrates diversity, we expect swift and decisive action to be taken.”