‘WELSH RUGBY MUST REFORM’

NIGEL WALKER admits Welsh rugby must reform or die after the revelations which have shaken the sport.

The acting Welsh Rugby Union chief spelled out the gravity of the situation after allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia revealed a picture of a toxic culture at the organisation.

Walker, the ex-Wales wing and Olympic hurdler, stepped into the hot seat after the resignation of Steve Phillips and wants a wholesale shake-up.

“Where we are now is not sustainable,” said Walker.

Danger

“If we are not prepared to change, the future of Welsh rugby and the WRU is in danger.

“I can’t put it any more bluntly than that.

“We’ve accepted we need change and we want to get to that change programme as quickly as possible.”

A task force is being set up by Sport Wales to investigate the WRU after former employees who took part in an investigation by BBC Wales, made accusations about the organisation.

Charlotte Wathan, the WRU’s former general manager of women’s rugby, revealed how a male colleague said in front of others he wanted to “rape” her.

Another staff member said she was left contemplating suicide by her experiences of bullying and sexism. Walker described the claims raised in the documentary as “harrowing and despicable”.

And he admitted the employee alleged to have made the rape remark is still working for the WRU after an investigation by a leading law firm was unable to verify the claim.

“Until somebody is found guilty they are innocent, it’s still an alleged comment because it couldn’t be substantiated,” said Walker.

That investigation, if required by the task force, will be turned over to them so they can look at it and they can say it needs to be investigated again.

“If this person needs to be interviewed or that person needs to be interviewed, we will comply with it,” he said.

“We’re opening up our shop, no question is off the table, they can have access to everything.”

FORMER New Zealand ■

prop Campbell Johnstone has become the first All

Black to come out as gay.

The 43-year-old, who played against the British and Irish Lions in 2005, wanted to break down barriers for other gay rugby players.

“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and stigma -surrounding the issue, it can actually help other people,” he said.