Welsh rugby club slammed for advertising derby match 'not for girls' as WRU step in

Welsh rugby club Neath RFC have been slammed for advertising their upcoming derby date with Llangennech with the branding “this one is definitely not for girls”.

Neath face off against their local rivals on Friday, March 28, at The Gnoll and have already begun the promotion of the fixture online.

But the tone and wording of their social media post has been blasted by rugby fans from all corners.

The post read: “This one isn’t for the faint-hearted. This one isn’t for the half-committed. This one is definitely NOT FOR GIRLS.

“No frills. No apologies. Just brutal, old-school, Friday night rugby at its finest. This is where the bravehearts step up, rivalries ignite, and the hits shake the ground. If you crave passion, grit, and raw intensity, this is where you belong.”

High-profile individuals within the game and local community were quick to condemn the post.

Former Wales skipper and current Wales Under-18s head coach Siwan Lillicrap said on X: “I can’t believe my eyes - shame on you @neathrfc! Ignorant, unacceptable and inappropriate.”

Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP for Gower, wrote on social media: “Disappointing for a club with such a great history and legacy which has inspired so many women and girls to want to play and have played!

“Be good to see it taken down with an apology @neathrfc.”

The post has now been deleted after the Welsh Rugby Union stepped in.

A WRU spokesperson told the BBC last night: “We asked Neath to remove the post as soon as possible and of course do not condone the sentiment it contained.”

Neath later put a second post out late last night in an attempt to explain their actions.

"Now that we have your attention… Forget the noise. Forget the outrage," the post began. "Let’s talk about real change. Our recent campaign was designed to provoke debate, and we understand that it may have caused confusion and upset for some—and rightly so. Our commitment to growing and strengthening Neath RFC—at every level—has never been stronger. In a world where meaningful action often gets lost in online debate, Neath RFC is building something different.

"At Neath RFC, we don’t just talk about progress—we live it. We recognise that misconceptions about women’s rugby still exist—but instead of just discussing them, we are here to challenge and change them.

"We have strong women on our board, helping drive the club forward. They lead our supporters' club. They are part of our ground staff, ensuring The Gnoll is ready for battle. They run our clubhouse, keeping the heart of our club alive.

"They travel with our away supporters, backing Neath wherever we go. They are at the core of our marketing team, pushing the club’s message to the world. Women aren’t just involved in Neath RFC—they are essential to its success. We are proud of the high number of female supporters who turn up every week, standing alongside us through the highs and lows. They are a crucial part of our club’s identity and future.

"The Neath Panthers: More Than Just a Team One of the fastest-growing and most important parts of Neath RFC is the Neath Panthers—our thriving women’s and girls’ rugby setup. They play a vital role in the future of our club, showcasing their skill, passion, and determination—the very qualities that define the future of Welsh rugby. As they progress toward senior rugby, we aim to empower them and grow support, from the terraces to the town and districts. The Neath Panthers aren’t just part of the game—they are the future of rugby in Wales. That is why we are committed to:

"Expanding the Panthers programme to create more opportunities for young players.

"Ensuring women’s rugby gets the recognition and respect it deserves.

"Providing a clear pathway for girls in Neath to develop and succeed in the sport. The Panthers represent the next chapter of Neath RFC, and we are excited for what’s ahead.

"Neath RFC: A Club for Everyone Neath RFC is a club with a rich history, built on passion, resilience, and tradition. But most importantly, we are a club for everyone—a place where players, supporters, and staff of all backgrounds and experiences can thrive. We are about to embark on a new era—one that unites every part of Neath RFC. From our senior teams to our youth squads, from men’s and women’s rugby to our loyal supporters, we are focused on strengthening the bonds that make this club great. We are here to build something bigger, ensuring that rugby in Neath continues to grow for generations to come.

"Moving Forward Together.

"We will follow the lead of our players and community.

"We will continue to support and grow all levels of rugby in Neath.

"We will create a club that is stronger, more united, and built for the future. Neath RFC is not just a rugby team—it is a way of life, a community, and a club that belongs to all of us. I want to personally thank you for your support and sincerely apologise again for any confusion or upset caused. We are committed to moving forward together, ensuring that Neath RFC remains the heart of Welsh rugby—for everyone. See you at ALL The Gnoll. Neath RFC."