Wales has been operating as a professional rugby team since early 2022, but the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is currently under scrutiny due to new allegations of sexism and inequality. These issues come to light less than a year after an independent review highlighted significant cultural problems within the organization, primarily related to ongoing contract negotiations with the women’s senior team.

Reports indicate that players faced pressures during these negotiations, with threats of repercussions if they refused to accept the WRU’s terms. This included the possibility of being excluded from major competitions. In response to these serious claims, the WRU has announced that it will conduct an independent review of the negotiation process and intends to share its findings publicly.

The women’s team made headlines when they signed their first professional contracts at the beginning of 2022, marking a significant milestone for women’s rugby in Wales. Their performance on the field improved as well, with the team finishing third in both the 2022 and 2023 Women’s Six Nations tournaments. However, entering 2024 has seen a downturn in results, culminating in the team finishing last in this year’s championship.

In January, players sought representation from the Women’s Rugby Association (WRA) to address concerns including compensation and a maternity policy tied to performance. The WRA corroborated reports that players were emotionally distressed during negotiations, affecting their overall well-being. Allegations surfaced that players were warned they would lose their spots at upcoming tournaments unless they signed contracts promptly.

Despite these challenges, Wales' captain Hannah Jones announced in September that the contract issues had been resolved and that players were satisfied with their agreements. Shortly thereafter, as they prepared for their match against Australia in WXV2, the WRU proudly revealed it had secured 37 full-time contracts for players, stating that Wales ranked among the best-paid women’s rugby teams globally.

Abi Tierney, CEO of WRU, acknowledged that players expressed concerns about contract negotiations back in August. Following this communication, two initiatives were launched: one focused on completing negotiations while another involved a board-led review of the overall contract process. While specifics remain confidential, WRU plans to disclose the outcomes and recommendations from this review soon.

The WRA expressed pride in representing the women’s team throughout this period of adversity and commended their resilience and dedication toward improving conditions for future generations of players in Wales. They anticipate positive developments stemming from the WRU’s commitment to an independent review process.