S4C has issued an apology following a live TV gaffe by Dragons coach Lyn Jones. In the midst of the European Challenge Cup match, Jones remarked that the Dragons were ‘playing like women’, which quickly drew backlash. While presenter Catrin Heledd suggested they were ‘playing like children’, it was former Wales women’s international Sioned Harries’ laughter that carried the segment forward. Jones promptly apologised, with S4C affirming that his comment was “unacceptable” and promising measures to prevent a repeat incident.
Cardiff Harlequins’ Hollie Baker weighed in, emphasising that careless comments like these threaten to undo the strides made in women’s rugby. She shared with the BBC how crucial it is to support the growth of the women’s game, especially in overcoming outdated perceptions within a male-dominated sport.
Podcaster Hattie Bradshaw chimed in, branding the comment as “textbook misogyny.” To her, intent matters less than impact, and she stressed that women in rugby are just as capable and deserving of respect as their male counterparts. It’s a wake-up call: rugby needs to evolve not just on the field, but in its cultural attitudes too.