The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is to apologise for its handling of contract negotiations with the senior women’s team, but has refuted fresh allegations of sexism.

WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney admitted serious failings in the process and that it was “absolutely clear” the governing body should say sorry to players.

It has been claimed players were threatened with being withdrawn from the Rugby World Cup.

Players were dealt a three-hour ultimatum to sign contracts amid threats that the women’s national squad would go on strike before the match against Scotland in September.

The new claims of sexism and inequality come less than a year after a damning independent review into the WRU’s culture following a BBC Wales investigation.

“This is not a good day for us, we totally accept that. We should have done better and we didn’t, but we have learned our lessons and we will keep trying to improve,” said Collier-Keywood.

A review of the contract negotiation process is expected to publish its recommendations later this month.