PE Teacher Resigns During School Investigation Into Rugby Trip Allegations
A former PE teacher and rugby coach resigned while under internal investigation for alleged misconduct during a school rugby trip, a disciplinary hearing has been told. Lowri Mair Williams, who worked at Llandovery College in Carmarthenshire, is facing a week-long Education Workforce Council (EWC) hearing over nine allegations related to her conduct.
Concussion Protocol Breaches Alleged
The hearing heard that Williams allegedly failed to follow proper concussion protocols during a rugby sevens tournament at Rosslyn Park in London in March 2024. It is claimed she allowed pupils to continue playing after head injuries, contrary to Welsh Rugby Union guidelines.
Simon Bodley, former medical centre manager at the school, testified that five girls presented with injuries after the tournament, including head injuries. One pupil, referred to as Pupil F, reportedly told him she had been kicked in the head during the game and felt pressured to play on.
"She should've come off the pitch and been assessed," Mr Bodley stated, adding that the pupil claimed Williams told her not to disclose her injury. However, Andrew Faux, representing Williams, noted that Pupil F herself said she wasn't injured from the kick and came off voluntarily.
Inappropriate Conduct Claims
The EWC panel also heard allegations that Williams breached professional boundaries during the overnight trip. Pupil E testified that she and two other girls visited Williams' hotel room for about 15 minutes before the tournament.
"While we were there, Ms Williams was folding clothes she was going to wear the next day on her bed, including her underwear," Pupil E said. She described discussions about relationship statuses and claimed Williams showed videos of her nights out.
Another allegation suggests Williams answered her hotel room door while not fully dressed and engaged in inappropriate conversations with pupils about personal matters.
Defence and Supporting Testimony
Sophie Hands, former head of girls' sport who accompanied the trip, defended Williams' professionalism. "She cared deeply about her role and was passionate about girls' rugby," Hands told the panel, expressing shock at the allegations.
Hands explained that the college followed WRU concussion guidelines, which Williams was familiar with. She noted being aware of only one head injury during the tournament, which was properly managed.
A former pupil described Williams as having a "banterful relationship" with students and being persistent in checking on their wellbeing during games. She recalled Williams asking Pupil F if she was okay after an incident and receiving confirmation before allowing play to continue.
Investigation and Resignation
Johanna Edwards, former deputy head at Llandovery, initiated an internal investigation into alleged failures to report injuries correctly. During this investigation, Williams resigned from her position.
The hearing also addressed allegations from other events between September 2023 and March 2024, including matches at Principality Stadium in Cardiff and a netball game at Christ College Brecon.
Williams, a former semi-professional player, faces additional claims of encouraging a pupil to lie to a housemistress about taking another pupil to a match. The hearing continues with the panel examining all evidence before reaching a conclusion.
