Neath RFC has sparked outrage with a controversial marketing campaign for their upcoming Premiership fixture against Llangennech.
The Welsh club used the slogan "this one is definitely not for girls" to promote the match scheduled for Friday, 28 March at The Gnoll.
The promotion, posted on their X account, drew immediate condemnation from players and politicians.
Neath later claimed the campaign was designed to provoke debate about women's rugby.
Neath RFC has sparked outrage with a controversial marketing campaign for their upcoming Premiership fixture against Llangennech
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The original post included the hashtag '#NotForGirls' and ended with the message: "Stay tuned Not everything is as it seems".
It was published at 18:04 GMT on Monday and taken down shortly after 21:00 GMT following widespread criticism.
The promotional graphic also featured the phrase "not for girls" alongside text describing "brutal, old-school, Friday night rugby" where "bravehearts step up" and "the hits shake the ground".
Llangennech initially shared the post before later deleting their repost.
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Former Wales captain and current Wales Under-18s head coach Siwan Lillicrap condemned the post, writing on X: "I can't believe my eyes - shame on you @neathrfc! Ignorant, unacceptable and inappropriate."
Labour MP for Gower and former Wales international Tonia Antoniazzi called it "disappointing for a club with such a great history".
Wales international Cerys Hale questioned "who the hell thought this type of marketing was acceptable?!"
Former Wales wing Lowri Norkett-Morgan described the post as "absolutely disgusting", adding that girls at Neath Panthers were "not welcome in their own club".
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The Welsh Rugby Union swiftly intervened after the post appeared.
A WRU spokesperson said: "We asked Neath to remove the post as soon as possible and of course do not condone the sentiment it contained."
The governing body's response came amid growing criticism on social media from prominent figures in Welsh rugby.
The post was removed approximately three hours after it was initially published.
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Following the backlash, Neath RFC posted a follow-up message at 22:59 GMT explaining their intentions.
The club stated they wanted to "provoke debate and challenge misconceptions about women's rugby".
Their lengthy explanation highlighted that "Women aren't just involved in Neath RFC - they are essential to its success."
The post emphasised that Neath RFC is a "club for everyone" and specifically mentioned the Neath Panthers, their "thriving women's and girl's rugby setup".
The club described the Panthers as playing "a vital role in the future of our club".
In their follow-up statement, Neath RFC apologised for "any confusion or upset caused" by the original post.
The club's explanation emphasised the importance of women in rugby at all levels.
They highlighted how the women's team showcases "skill, passion, and determination—the very qualities that define the future of Welsh rugby."
