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WRU chairman to face Senedd committee over sexism scandal

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Welsh Rugby Union Ieuan Evans chairman is to be questioned by a Senedd committee

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chairman Ieuan Evans is to be questioned in the Senedd amid accusations of sexism, racism and misogyny at the governing body.

He and the Welsh government's deputy sports minister, Dawn Bowden, have been invited to a sports committee meeting on Thursday.

An inquiry was announced after two women complained of a "toxic" sexist culture at Welsh rugby's highest level.

The WRU has said it is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

It added allegations from staff about behaviour, attitude and language were taken seriously.

The sport committee sought legal advice about its powers following calls for it to explore the matter.

On Tuesday, First Minister Mark Drakeford said he believed there was potential for it to help "secure a path for the WRU to a better future".

Plaid Cymru's Heledd Fychan, who sits on the sport committee, said: "The WRU do receive public funds, and we need to ensure that we're not actually encouraging women into a sport where they don't actually feel safe, even when they are representing Wales internationally."

Getty Images WRU boss Steve PhillipsGetty Images
There have been calls for WRU chief executive Steve Phillips to step down

Conservative Tom Giffard, also on the committee, told BBC Walescast it was "important" the committee had a role.

Asked previously, WRU boss Steve Phillips said he would have "no issues" with a Senedd inquiry.

"I've got no idea what that looks like but as a principle I've got no issue at all," he said.

Getty Images Mark DrakefordGetty Images
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the sport committee could help

The WRU said: "We very much welcome the opportunity to provide more details about how we are going to respond to the challenge and to make sure that the WRU is an inclusive and welcoming organisation."

The Welsh government has been approached for comment.

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