Welsh Club Issues Apology and Wales Captain Contemplates Retirement Over Dispute
Neath RFC has issued a public apology after a social media post caused outrage within the rugby community. The club came under fire for promoting an upcoming fixture against Llangennech RFC with a tweet that stated the game was “not for girls”. The controversial hashtag “#NotForGirls” sparked widespread condemnation, leading to a swift backlash.
In response, Neath RFC’s CEO, Matty Young, expressed regret for the post, clarifying that it was not their intention to offend anyone. Young took full responsibility for the message and acknowledged the need to address casual misogyny in rugby. The club emphasised its commitment to inclusivity and respect, particularly towards women and girls in the sport.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) intervened, urging Neath to remove the post and disavowing its content. Despite attempts to defend the original message as a means to provoke debate, Neath ultimately issued a second apology, acknowledging the upset caused and pledging to re-evaluate their communication strategy.
Meanwhile, Wales captain Hannah Jones revealed that she contemplated retiring from international rugby following a contract dispute last year. The WRU faced criticism for its handling of the women’s national team contracts, prompting apologies and staff changes within the organisation. Despite the turmoil, Jones decided to continue leading the team, emphasising her love for the game and desire to focus on rugby.
In a separate development, Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from veteran player Conor Murray. As Murray prepares for his final appearance for Ireland, Gibson-Park praised his mentor’s influence on his career and acknowledged the impact of playing alongside top-tier athletes in the national team.
As Ireland gears up for the Guinness Six Nations finale, prop Cian Healy and flanker Peter O’Mahony are set to retire from international rugby after the upcoming match against Italy. The squad is determined to secure a victory in honour of the departing players and maintain their competitive edge in the tournament.
The incidents involving Neath RFC and the Welsh national team underscore the challenges and controversies present in modern rugby. Despite setbacks and disputes, players and organisations are striving to uphold the values of respect, inclusivity, and fair play within the sport. As the rugby community navigates these issues, the focus remains on fostering a positive and supportive environment for all participants.