Tom Jones condemns Welsh rugby bosses for banning Delilah and insists he will continue to sing it despite claiming it glorifies domestic violence
- Delilah was removed from the rugby choirs playlist in 2015
Sir Tom Jones has said the Welsh Rugby Union ban “cannot stop” people from singing along to his hit song Delilah.
The 1968 hit details the opportunistic murder by a man who waits until his ex-partner’s mistress drops her home before making his move: stabbing his cheating partner.
The Cardiff Principality Stadium banned the unofficial Welsh rugby anthem earlier this year because it ‘glorified domestic abuse’.
At the Welsh legend’s concert at Cardiff Castle on Friday, Sir Tom said: ‘You can’t help us singing Delilah.
‘Can you imagine… Who was the man who didn’t want us to sing Delilah?
Sir Tom Jones has said the Welsh Rugby Union ban ‘cannot stop’ people from singing his hit song Delilah
Sir Tom Jones pictured at the Nice Jazz Festival on July 19, 2023
“It stopped the choir from singing, but it didn’t stop the crowd from singing it.
‘And we’ll keep singing it too.’
The 83-year-old previously said the song is not to be taken literally and his popularity at rugby matches makes him “proud to be Welsh”.
Sir Tom continues to perform the song at his concerts, despite the ban.
The tune was traditionally performed by a male voice choir before matches at the Principality Stadium, however it was removed from the playlist in 2015 and officially banned in February of this year.
In February the union said: ‘Delilah will not appear on the choir playlist for international rugby matches at Principality Stadium.
The WRU removed the song from its halftime music and entertainment playlist during international matches in 2015. Guest choirs have also recently been requested not to perform the song during their pre-match performances and during games.
‘The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind. We have previously sought the advice of subject matter experts on the subject of song censorship and are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some fans due to its subject matter.
Earlier this year, the WRU received accusations of sexism, racism and homophobia.
An investigation into the union, involving several former WRU employees, found a toxic and discriminatory culture.
At the time, a spokesman said the union “condemned” the use of racist, homophobic or sexist language and said it had no place in Welsh rugby.
