Tom Jones’ song ‘Delilah’ will not be performed at the 2023 Six Nations tournament, which begins this weekend, due to its lyrics being deemed ‘problematic’, Sky News reports. The Welsh crooner’s hit anthem is regularly sung by Leek XV fans at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and the decision to drop it comes after allegations of sexism, bullying and racism at the within the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
“Delilah,” which was first released in 1968, contains lyrics that “problem and disturb some fans,” reads a statement from the federation. The song is about a jealous lover who sees a woman, Delilah, with another man and ends up killing her. As such, it will not be sung before Wales’ Six Nations game against Ireland on Saturday 4 February or in any future matches.
“‘Delilah’ will not be on the tracklist for international rugby matches at the Principality Stadium,” the WRU said. “We have previously sought expert advice on the matter and are aware that it is problematic and disturbing to some supporters due to its subject matter,” she added.
The move comes after a week in which Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips was forced to resign over allegations of misogyny and racism. The move seems like a small move given the particularly nasty climate depicted by a recent TV documentary.
An independent working group must be set up to respond to the many issues raised. National rugby team star Louis Rees-Zammit reacted to the announcement via a social media post: “Of all the things they have to do, this is what they do first…”
