A "culture of sexism" -- including acts of inappropriate sexual behavior -- is "festering at the heart of the Rugby Football Union," according to Gavin Mairs of the London TELEGRAPH. The three-month investigation, which has involved "obtaining candid testimonies from a variety of sources across the governing body" -- including former RFU senior execs -- exposed an "alarming prevalence" of sexist attitudes and behavior. The findings will come as a "major blow" to the governing body at a time when it is "attempting to implement a diversity and inclusion strategic plan and grow the women’s game." The key findings include:
- One former female employee claimed she was "inappropriately patted" by a senior member of staff but "felt powerless to complain."
- One former council member being reprimanded by the then-RFU president "after a series of complaints were made by female members of staff" about inappropriate behavior.
- Several female staff members feeling they "could not raise complaints" about sexist behavior or inappropriate use of language by council members as they "feared they would be seen as troublemakers."
- Consumption of alcohol at meetings and conferences creating a "party atmosphere" that led to unacceptable behavior or language.
- Claims that opposition from a "significant rump" of senior figures was "key in delaying the merger with the Rugby Football Union for Women" until '10.
The investigation also revealed that the RFU's human resources department "felt compelled" to make a video to show staff and council members featuring a variety of complaints from employees about their treatment (TELEGRAPH, 5/22).
