TPAS Cymru statement

The following is a copy of a letter sent to the Welsh Rugby Union following the announcement that Cory Hill will captain Wales against Queensland Reds this weekend. 

To: Richard Collier-Keywood, Chair of the Welsh Rugby Union

Dear Mr Collier-Keywood  

TPAS Cymru would like to express their disappointment at the news that Cory Hill will captain the Wales Senior Men’s team for this weekend’s game in Australia.  

As the tenant voice organisation for Wales, we strongly believe that tenants should feel safe in their homes and free from intimidation.  

A great deal of the media coverage 3 years ago focused on the terrifying experience of the woman and her children who were targeted in their own home. We must not forget that Mr Hill and his friends went with intent to confront, terrify and intimidate a tenant (who knows what else) - and it was only after they realised, they had the wrong house, did this shocking incident come to end. As we know, the consequence of this was a mother and her children feeling unsafe in her own home 

Our thoughts and concerns are with that young family who have likely experienced re-traumatisation, as this story has been in the news again recently due to the actions of the WRU.  

Tenants, like all people in Wales, have legal rights to live free from intimidation and harassment from their landlord.  What Mr Hill and his friends set out to do is not legal, not acceptable and goes against everything that we, as a Nation, stand for.  

Their actions couldn't be further away from the qualities of the captain of a Welsh National team and can’t be excused by Warren Gatland as simply a consequence of young men making mistakes.  He was 29 at the time and a professional rugby player alongside being a landlord. We must stop making excuses for men with power.   

We ask the WRU to consider whether this appointment is in line with its own stated values, which include:  

‘Welsh Rugby Union are committed to promoting positive behaviour

‘Rugby is a sport that can have a positive influence on children’

and reflect on what this choice of captain says to the people of Wales, and to all the volunteers and supporters that make rugby what it is.  

It is important to note that this letter has been circulated to our Tenant Pulse Advisory Group which is made up of tenants from every local authority area in Wales and has had strong majority endorsement.  

 

David Wilton, Chief Executive, TPAS Cymru  

 

If you would like to speak with us about our letter, please contact us on [email protected]