Overview

• The 85-year-old paused his homecoming show to question the decision to drop the track from rugby fixtures and said the lyrics should not be taken literally.
• Audience boos followed his comments in what reports described as support for Jones and opposition to the rugby playlist restrictions.
• The Welsh Rugby Union removed the song from choir playlists at internationals in 2023 after excluding it from half-time entertainment in 2015.
• Officials say they consulted subject-matter experts and note the song is upsetting to some supporters, while stressing the union condemns domestic violence.
• Released in 1968 and peaking at No. 2 in the UK, the song describes a jealous lover killing his partner, drawing criticism in recent years from figures including Dafydd Iwan and MP Chris Bryant.