England's Maggie Alphonsi included on WRU independent review panel

Legendary England women’s player Maggie Alphonsi has been named on the panel that will investigate allegations of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism at the WRU. The panel will also look at the organisational culture and behaviours of WRU leadership at all levels of the game in Wales.

A statement read: “Sport Resolutions, who will administer the WRU independent review, have confirmed the personnel chosen for the review panel. The independent review panel will be chaired by SR panel member and former Court of Appeal judge Dame Anne Rafferty DBE PC.

“She will be joined by former international rugby union player Maggie Alphonsi MBE and SR panel member and mediator Quentin Smith. Public lawyer David Lawson of Serjeant’s Inn will act as counsel to the inquiry.

“A Commissioning Advisory Group (CAG) has also been established to support the review, comprising of Henry Englehardt as a representative from the WRU and Emma Wilkins as a representative from Sport Wales.

“Louise Reilly, a sport-specialist barrister, will act as a third independent member nominated by Sport Resolutions. The role of the CAG is to monitor progress and consider and reflect on the Terms of Reference in response to emerging findings of the panel.

“The independent review began on February 13, and will consider the period from 2017 to the present, however emerging evidence may prompt the chair to adapt the timeframe. It is investigating allegations of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism and will also examine the organisational culture and behaviours of leadership at all levels at the WRU.

“The independent review panel is grateful to the people who have already started to send information to the review team. The panel wants to encourage contributions to the review and will make the process as easy as possible for each individual. The panel would also welcome contact and contributions from those who wish to remain anonymous.

“For individuals who wish to contribute to and/or engage with the review, they are able to contact the Sport Resolutions administrative team via the dedicated email address of wru@sportresolutions.com. Further announcements will be made in the next weeks about the approach and progress of the review.”