The Welsh Rugby Union has scrapped the song Delilah from its Principality Stadium playlist over concerns it glorifies domestic violence.
Sir Tom Jones' 1968 hit, about a jealous lover stabbing his unfaithful partner, has become an iconic Welsh rugby anthem and has regularly been played before games in Cardiff. And the live rendition performed by Jones, 82, before Wales beat England at their temporary home at Wembley Stadium, has gone down in folklore.
But it's become the subject of volatile debate in recent years amid concerns over what the song represents and following a turbulent week for the WRU - which saw CEO Steve Phillips resign amid allegations of a toxic culture and misogyny at the organisation - it has been confirmed Delilah will no longer feature on the pre-game playlist. Warren Gatland's side get their campaign underway on Saturday at home to Ireland, and also host England on February 25.
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 play list 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.”
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The use of the song had previously been criticised by Dafydd Iwan, whose version of Yma O Hyd has become synonymous with welsh football, after he said it was “a song about murder and it does tend to trivialise the idea of murdering a woman." Rhondda MP Chris Bryant referenced the rise in domestic abuse during live sport as reason to stop playing it.
Tom Jones once famously sang Delilah before Wales played England at Wembley (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)The move hasn't been well received by all Welsh rugby fans though, with NickBennett58 tweeting: "What has happened to this World? Will still be one of my favourite hits from Sir Tom. #Delilah."
@JonathanPJ101 argued: "Delilah was always fun in Cardiff. 60000 ppl laughing was brilliant . No one went home and stabbed their wife as a result of this song . It’s ridiculous and a sign of a nanny state turning into a snowflake state . I’d hate to be a comedian these days everyone gets so offended!!"
@fraseanon17 echoed similar sentiments, ranting: "Welsh rugby totally captured now by the woke brigade.. There is no institution these shrieking commies won't go after. Delilah is banned from Principality Stadium."
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