Neath RFC, a well-established rugby club in Wales, recently faced backlash due to a controversial social media post made by the club’s owner, Matty Young. The post, which has since been deleted, stated that an upcoming game was “definitely not for girls.” This sparked criticism and condemnation, leading Young to issue an apology on social media.
In his apology statement, Young expressed regret for any offense caused by the initial post, clarifying that it was not his intention to promote misogynistic attitudes. He took full responsibility as the club owner and acknowledged that the message did not effectively convey the intended focus on women and girls’ rugby players. Young also extended his apologies to Llangennech RFC and emphasized Neath RFC’s commitment to inclusivity, respect, and the celebration of women’s rugby.
Following the backlash, Young decided to postpone the release of planned follow-up videos to take time for reflection and ensure that the messages align with the club’s values. The controversial post, which used the hashtag ‘#NotForGirls,’ was taken down, and a subsequent message from Neath RFC aimed to shift the conversation towards promoting real change and challenging misconceptions about women’s rugby. Despite the controversy, the club remains dedicated to championing all forms of rugby participation, including women’s rugby.
Various figures, including former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap, Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, and Wales international Cerys Hale, voiced their disappointment and condemnation of the initial post on social media. The incident sparked discussions about equality in rugby and the importance of inclusive messaging from clubs with a legacy of inspiring women and girls to participate in the sport
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
