WRU player dealings still to improve - minister

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) still needs to improve the way it deals with its players and staff, the sports minister has said.

The comments follow criticism over how contracts were negotiated with the Wales women's national team.

The union has accepted a "failure" in governance and leadership and says it is addressing the issues following an independent review.

Jack Sargeant, Welsh government sports' minister, said there was a "firm foundation" for the WRU to "move forward positively" but he would monitor things "closely". The WRU has been asked to comment.

The union instigated an independent review following controversy about the manner of contract negotiations with women players.

Published last month, the review made several recommendations for the union to better engage and improve the management of the women's national team and the women's game more generally in Wales.

Sargeant said he had discussed the review with its author, senior officials at the WRU and the players.

He said the document "provides a firm foundation now for the WRU to move forward positively and seek improved relationships with all involved, with the players themselves at the heart of that ambition".

The minister said he had told the WRU there had to be "urgent implementation of these recommendations if it was to persuade those affected they are serious about improving the women's game, and that lessons can be learned from this experience to rebuild faith and confidence for those around them".

Sargeant also said: "I also expressed my view that their approach to social partnership [between employers and employees] was not of a standard expected from an organisation of their size and standing."

"I have offered the Welsh government's support in their current and future plans to improve their process of engagement with the players."

He added: "We will continue to monitor progress and ensure lessons have been learnt.

"We have also agreed that we will continue regular dialogue, and my door will always be open to the players."

The minister welcomed the appointment of a new Head of Women's Rugby, Belinda Moore, and a new Head Coach, Sean Lynn.