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WRU bans Tom Jones' song from Wales versus Ireland match playlist
By Liam Heagney
Tom Jones’ song Delilah has been officially axed by the Principality Stadium ahead of this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations Wales versus Ireland match amid allegations of a toxic culture and misogyny at the WRU. The game’s governing body has come under intense pressure in recent weeks, culminating in Sunday’s resignation by CEO Steve Phillips.
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The fallout hasn’t ended there, however, as it has now emerged that a song regularly played at the Principality Stadium and sung by its match day choirs won’t be heard at the upcoming championship opener. The 1968 hit song about a jealous lover stabbing his unfaithful partner had become a Welsh rugby anthem, but it has now been decided to scratch it from the playlist.
According to a report on walesonline.co.uk, a Principality Stadium spokesperson said: “Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium. The WRU removed the song from its half-time entertainment and music playlist during international matches in 2015.
“Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games.
“The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind. We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter.”
Calls had been made for some time for Welsh rugby to consider its relationship with Delilah due to its domestic abuse connotations and amid a recent climate where the WRU have been heavily criticised for its governance, the Principality Stadium authorities have now acted to prevent the song from being played at this weekend’s game.