"Approaching 10,000 Signatures" Petition to Change Wales Rugby Logo Gains Momentum

The petition was started by Trystan Gruffydd, who said to Welsh outlet Nation.Cymru, that the current emblem of three white features is not “embraced by everyone in Wales and supporters of Welsh rugby.” The petition was launched several months ago, following the surfaced accusations of misconduct towards women within the WRU.

On the pitch, Wales Women are reaching new highs, with the likes of Sisila Tuipulotu taking them to a third placed finish in the 2023 Women's Six Nations. Wales have achieved qualification for the upcoming new WXV 1 competition this October, with a re-brand possibly set to coincide with this new-found success in the side's early professional days.

Wales men's senior side have struggled in recent months, with an underwhelming 2023 Six Nations overshadowed by the WRU's contract negotiation saga. Wales recorded just one win (over Italy), as the players came close to strike action and nearly boycotted the match against England.

The pressure is on for Warren Gatland's side at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with recent withdrawals in the form of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb thinning out the side of their veteran leaders. Also, budget cuts have caused a growing list of international stars to depart the country, as the the likes of Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe pursue opportunities abroad.

Mr Gruffydd’s petition reads: "Following the shocking allegations of sexism, misogyny, racism, homophobia and other inappropriate language used by some staff at the Welsh Rugby Union, the organisation’s reputation is now in tatters. The urgent priority of the WRU should obviously be to make the organisation a safe place to work and free from sexism, racism and homophobia.

"Achieving this, the WRU should be rebranded with a more politically neutral emblem that properly represents everyone in Wales, such as the Welsh dragon (or other Welsh symbol such as a leek).

"The feathers have absolutely no connection with the last princes of Wales, Llywelyn and Owain Glyndwr. The feathers were first used by Englishman “Edward the Black Prince” and other English (then British) heir apparents with no genuine connection to Wales whatsoever. It is not an emblem that is embraced by everyone in Wales and supporters of Welsh rugby… this is as good a time as any for the WRU to reset and rebrand."