Sports
WRU to Issue Apology for Contract Dispute While Refuting Claims of Sexism
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has pledged to apologize for its handling of contract negotiations with the women’s national rugby team but has denied new accusations of sexism. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney acknowledged significant failings in how the situation was managed, stating that it was “absolutely clear” an apology was owed to the players.
Reports allege that players were issued an ultimatum to sign contracts within three hours, with threats that the women’s national team could be pulled from the Rugby World Cup. Additionally, players had considered striking ahead of their September match against Scotland. The WRU now admits that the contract negotiations were mishandled, which heightened tensions among players.
The WRU faced heightened scrutiny after a recent report from The Telegraph prompted the organization to expedite the release of its internal review’s findings. The report revealed several shortcomings:
- The contract negotiation process failed to address the rapid evolution of the women’s professional game.
- The WRU’s decision to enforce a three-hour deadline was deemed a significant mistake.
- There were disagreements on how best to advance women’s rugby in Wales.
- Players, inexperienced in contract discussions, were left unsupported and isolated.
- Inconsistent and unclear communication worsened the situation, leading to heightened emotions and instances of poor behavior.
However, the review also concluded that sexism did not play a role in the failings. Reviewers Alison Thorne and Claire Donovan, who spent over 50 hours conducting interviews, emphasized that while there was problematic behavior, it was not driven by gender bias. Donovan, with a 15-year background in rugby, remarked that she did not observe sexism influencing decisions or grievances.
Collier-Keywood stated, “We accept the criticisms and the recommendations, and we are committed to improving.” The WRU leadership now plans to work closely with the women’s team to address these issues and implement necessary changes.
Warren Gatland is set to leave his role as Wales head coach after a record-breaking 14 consecutive Test match defeats, bringing an early end to his second tenure in charge.
Although the 61-year-old was contracted until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, he was already expected to step down after the Six Nations. Now, his departure will come midway through the tournament, with Wales still set to face Ireland on 22 February in Cardiff, Scotland on 8 March, and England on 15 March.
Possible successors include former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow’s Franco Smith, and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby.
Gatland, who enjoyed a highly successful 12-year first stint with Wales—winning three Grand Slams and leading the team to two World Cup semi-finals—returned in December 2022 to replace Wayne Pivac. However, his second tenure has been marred by poor performances, with Wales suffering their worst losing streak in 144 years of international rugby. The 22-15 loss to Italy last weekend cemented their decline, dropping them to 12th in the world rankings.
In total, Gatland has overseen 151 Tests across both spells, with 76 wins, 73 losses, and two draws. His recent record stands at just six victories in 26 matches, a win ratio of only 23%.
Tiger Woods has pulled out of this week’s Genesis Invitational, stating he is “still processing” the recent death of his mother, Kultida Woods.
The 15-time major champion, who had initially planned to participate, announced his withdrawal on social media, saying, “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”
Woods’ mother, Kultida, passed away on February 4. Just days later, tournament organizers had confirmed Woods’ participation in the event, which is now being held at Torrey Pines instead of its usual Riviera Country Club venue due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
Woods has not played a PGA Tour event since The Open at Royal Troon last July. His competitive appearances have been sporadic since a 2021 car accident left him with severe leg injuries, and he underwent additional back surgery in September. Most recently, he played alongside his son, Charlie, in a 36-hole event in December and participated in an exhibition for the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), which he co-founded.
As the tournament host, Woods hopes to attend the Genesis Invitational later in the week but has not committed to a specific timeline. The event benefits his TGR Foundation, which supports youth education initiatives.
Fans and fellow players have expressed their condolences and support for Woods as he navigates this difficult time.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Spurs’ Europa League clash against Elfsborg last week and will undergo surgery.
Dragusin is expected to be sidelined for at least six months, though recovery from ACL injuries can sometimes extend to a year. Tottenham confirmed that their medical team will monitor his rehabilitation to determine his return timeline.
The Romanian international had become a key figure for Spurs, starting 21 of their last 23 games. His absence adds to an already extensive injury list, which includes Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke. However, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies have recently returned to action.
Dragusin joined Tottenham from Genoa in January 2024 in a £25 million deal. To bolster their defensive options, Spurs signed Austria international Kevin Danso on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy for £21 million. They also made an ambitious £70 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, which was rejected, but secured the signing of 19-year-old attacker Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.
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