News

Sir Tom Jones questions WRU’s decision to stop choirs singing ‘Delilah’ at games

Published

3 years ago

July 22, 2023

WELSH music icon Sir Tom Jones, known for his powerful voice and timeless hits, has recently raised eyebrows at his Cardiff Castle show by addressing the controversial decision of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to halt the playing of his iconic song “Delilah” at Wales rugby matches.

“Delilah,” a classic track recorded by Sir Tom in 1968, soared to No. 2 on the charts and has since become a beloved anthem among Welsh rugby enthusiasts. However, its appropriateness in modern times has sparked debate due to a particular line in the song that reads, “I crossed the street to her house and she opened the door; she stood there laughing, I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more.”

The WRU has taken action by removing “Delilah” from the playlist of choirs performing at Principality Stadium during rugby internationals. This decision stems from concerns that the song’s theme of a jealous lover resorting to violence against an unfaithful partner might be seen as problematic and distressing to some supporters.

At his concert in the Welsh capital, Sir Tom Jones took a moment to express his thoughts on the matter. Addressing the crowd, he said, “Can you imagine… Who was the man who didn’t want us to sing Delilah? You can’t stop us singing Delilah. He stopped the choir from singing, but he didn’t stop the crowd from singing it. And we will keep singing it too!”

The audience responded with resounding applause, showing their solidarity with the singer’s sentiments.

The WRU’s stance on the song comes from a place of condemning domestic violence in any form. The decision to remove “Delilah” from halftime entertainment and guest choirs’ performances during matches dates back to 2015. While acknowledging the song’s popularity and significance to rugby fans, the WRU recognizes the sensitivities surrounding its subject matter and strives to uphold a respectful and inclusive environment for all supporters.

While the debate over “Delilah” continues, one thing remains clear: Sir Tom Jones’ powerful voice and enduring songs have left an indelible mark on Welsh culture and the world of music. As fans eagerly await his future performances, the legacy of “Delilah” will undoubtedly remain an integral part of Wales’ rich musical heritage.

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Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

18 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Crime

Milford Haven man given extra unpaid work after breaching court order

Published

22 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates add hours after missed appointments

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

He admitted failing to attend scheduled unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Business

St Clears discount store in closing down sale after chain enters administration

Published

28 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WELL-KNOWN discount retailer in St Clears is advertising a closing down sale after its parent company fell into administration, raising fresh concerns about the future of another high street store in west Wales.

The Original Factory Shop, which trades from Pentre Road in St Clears, has launched an “up to 30% off” sale as administrators attempt to secure the future of the business.

The chain, which sells clothing, homeware, garden products, toys and everyday essentials, appointed joint administrators Rick Harrison and James Clark of Interpath Advisory last week.

Founded in 1969, the retailer operates 137 stores across the UK and employs around 1,180 staff.

In a statement, Interpath said the company had faced difficult trading conditions common across the high street, including rising costs, weaker consumer spending and increased employment expenses. It added that problems with a third-party warehouse and logistics provider had also disrupted sales.

Despite the administration, the joint administrators say all stores will continue trading for now while options for the business are explored. The company’s online store is set to close.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said the retailer had long been a fixture in town centres across the country but had struggled in the current climate.

Over the coming weeks, administrators will review whether parts of the business can be sold or restructured.

However, signage and social media posts from the St Clears branch suggest uncertainty locally, with the store promoting a closing down sale and urging shoppers to “grab a bargain while stocks last”.

The St Clears outlet is one of the last remaining branches in west Wales. Stores in Fishguard, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven closed last year. The Cardigan branch is also understood to be running a similar clearance sale.

The loss of another discount retailer would mark a further blow for smaller town centres already facing reduced footfall and rising costs.