‘All the things they need to do and they do that first’: Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit slams the WRU for banning the Tom Jones’ hit Delilah being sung at the Principality Stadium as it faces allegations of sexism, racism and misogyny within the organisation

Louis Rees-Zammit led yet more criticism of the Welsh Rugby Union after it was confirmed Sir Tom Jones’ famous song Delilah will not be sung by matchday choirs at Principality Stadium.

The WRU was last week rocked by allegations of sexism, racism and misogyny which led to former chief executive Steve Phillips resigning from his post.

Now another storm has erupted over Delilah – a song that references the murder of a woman by her partner after he finds out she has been unfaithful.

Delilah hasn’t been part of the WRU’s half-time entertainment and music playlist since 2015 and now Welsh rugby choirs who perform on the pitch before matches have been told it is officially off limits.

Wales wing Rees-Zammit took a thinly-veiled swipe at the WRU, who also have contractual issues to sort out with their players as well as the ongoing sexism scandal.

Louis Rees-Zammit has joined the criticism of the Welsh Rugby Union over Delilah ban

Louis Rees-Zammit has joined the criticism of the Welsh Rugby Union over Delilah ban

He tweeted: ‘All the things they need to do and they do that first.’

The WRU cannot stop Wales fans singing Delilah in the stands, but no official performance of the song will take place at their home games in Cardiff.

Sportsmail understands an official phasing out of Delilah began when crowds first returned to rugby matches after the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has now been banned for good.

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.’

Jones’ 1968 hit Delilah is one of Welsh rugby’s most well-known songs and has been a firm favourite of supporters down the years.

It includes the lyric: ‘I crossed the street to her house and she opened the door. She stood there laughing, I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more.’ 

The popular Tom Jones ballad has become an unofficial anthem for Welsh rugby fans (pictured)

The popular Tom Jones ballad has become an unofficial anthem for Welsh rugby fans (pictured)

Sir Tom Jones performs on stage during Music For The Marsden 2020 at The O2 Arena in London

Sir Tom Jones performs on stage during Music For The Marsden 2020 at The O2 Arena in London

Like the WRU, England’s RFU has also looked to minimise its use of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – a song which has links to slavery.

Delilah won’t be a part of the pre-match build-up for Wales’ Six Nations opener with Ireland on Saturday – the game that kicks-off the 2023 Championship – or in the future.

Wales also face England at home and face Six Nations trips to Scotland, Italy and France this year.

Welsh rugby supporters pictured singing ahead of their match against Italy at Principality Stadium on March 19 last year

Welsh rugby supporters pictured singing ahead of their match against Italy at Principality Stadium on March 19 last year

Delilah will reportedly not feature on the playlist for Wales' upcoming Six Nations fixtures, beginning later this month

Delilah will reportedly not feature on the playlist for Wales’ upcoming Six Nations fixtures, beginning later this month

Tom Jones pictured during a performance at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on July 27, 2021

Tom Jones pictured during a performance at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on July 27, 2021

The controversy is a long-running issue, with a campaign launched back in 2014 to ban it from Welsh rugby matches

The controversy is a long-running issue, with a campaign launched back in 2014 to ban it from Welsh rugby matches

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Post source: Daily mail

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