Neath rugby club issue apology after ‘not for girls’ social media post

The Social Media Controversy: A Rugby Club’s Misstep

A recent social media post by Neath Rugby Football Club sparked widespread criticism after it advertised an upcoming match with the slogan "definitely NOT FOR GIRLS." The post, which has since been deleted, was intended to promote a fixture against Llangennech but instead drew backlash for its exclusionary message. Neath RFC, a prominent club in the Indigo Premiership, the top tier of Welsh club rugby, faced accusations of misogyny and insensitivity. The incident has highlighted the challenges sports organizations face in promoting inclusivity and equality in their messaging.

Public Reaction: Outrage and Disappointment

The backlash was swift and vocal. Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, called for the post to be taken down with an apology, expressing her disappointment. "Disappointing for a club with such a great history and legacy which has inspired so many women and girls to want to play," she said. Her sentiments were echoed by former Wales rugby union captain Siwan Lillicrap, who described the post as "shameful and disgraceful." The reaction underscored the importance of inclusive messaging in sports, particularly in a sport like rugby, which has made strides in growing women’s participation.

The Club’s Response: Apology and Clarification

In response to the criticism, Neath RFC issued an apology. Club owner Matty Young took full responsibility for the post, stating that it was never his intention to offend. He explained that the campaign was designed to provoke debate and highlight the casual misogyny still present in parts of rugby. However, he acknowledged that the initial post did not effectively convey this message, leading to confusion and upset. "The idea from the start was to shine a light on the casual misogyny that still exists in parts of rugby and, more importantly, to champion the incredible women and girls’ rugby players who represent our club with passion, skill, and dedication," he said. Young also announced that the club would delay the release of follow-up videos to reflect, listen, and ensure that their messaging aligns with their values.

The Bigger Picture: The Challenge of Provoking Change

The controversy raises important questions about how to effectively challenge societal attitudes and promote inclusivity. While the club’s intention was to highlight the issue of misogyny in rugby, the approach was criticised for being tone-deaf and alienating. The incident serves as a reminder that provoking debate must be done with care and sensitivity to avoid reinforcing the very attitudes one seeks to challenge. Organizations, especially in sports, must carefully consider how their messaging will be received by diverse audiences.

The Role of the Welsh Rugby Union

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) also weighed in on the controversy, stating that they do not condone the sentiment expressed in the post and asked Neath RFC to remove it as soon as possible. The WRU’s involvement highlights the broader implications of such incidents for the sport as a whole. While the WRU’s response was swift, it also raises questions about the need for clearer guidelines and support for clubs in promoting inclusive messaging.

Conclusion: The Importance of Getting It Right

The controversy surrounding Neath RFC’s social media post serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thoughtful communication in promoting inclusivity and challenging societal attitudes. While the club’s intention to highlight misogyny in rugby was commendable, the execution fell short, leading to widespread criticism. The incident underscores the need for sports organizations to approach such issues with sensitivity and to engage in open dialogue with their communities. By doing so, they can promote positive change without alienating those they seek to inspire.