Campaign to change the WRU logo

A national news publisher, Wales Online, in 2018 suggested that there may be an uncomfortable truth and ignorance of the origin and history of the emblem which contributes to its controversy. The article suggests that the three white ostrich feathers with the gold crown is symbolic of an English figure, and not a Welsh one. Since the early 17th century the emblem is solely associated with the Prince of Wales but has no connection whatsoever with the last native Prince of Wales, and famous Welsh icon, Owain Glyndŵr, who died around 1415. The crest technically belongs to the Duke of Cornwall as heir to the British crown because it belongs to the firstborn individual of the British crown before official investiture as Prince of Wales.[2]

In February 2021, the North Wales live (produced by the Daily Post) published an article about the so-called "unsettling" origins of the WRU logo. [3]

In October 2021, North Wales live published an article citing opinions of Welsh rugby fans both for and against the three feathers symbol. One fan against the symbol noted "It's an outdated symbol with three German feathers which represents England. It has nothing to do with Welsh heritage. It needs a change, a revamp. We need a symbol to recognise Wales is a country in its own right." and a second fan agreed by saying, "The national football team in Wales represents the country so much better when it comes to language, heritage and culture."[4]

In February 2022, it was noted by The National Wales, that the emblem of the three feathers and crown is a symbol of subjugation as well as shame which is sometimes further emphasised when Wales are not performing as well on the field. The controversy stems from the use of the symbol by the Prince of Wales and many regiments of the British military. The Welsh men's rugby team continues to be a very significant symbol in Wales which is another reason why the symbol is controversial, due to its prominence in Wales. [5]

In 2016 a petition was made to change the WRU logo which gathered over 1,000 signatures. This petition was also supported by Welsh singer, Rhys Meirion. [6]

Another petition created in 2020 on change.org with the title "Change the WRU emblem from the English Prince 3 feathers to a Welsh dragon" gathered 6,000 signatures by February 2022 and received attention in national media in Wales. The petition notes that the current WRU logo is derived from the emblem of the "English monarch's" firstborn son The Prince of Wales and that the WRU until recently included the motto "Ich Dien" which is German for "I serve", suggesting subservience to the "English monarchy". The creator of the petition stated "It is time for the Welsh rugby emblem to properly represent the people of Wales, not service to the son of an English monarch," also adding, "I propose a design of a red Welsh dragon without writing underneath."[1]

In October 2021, it was reported by Nation Cymru that the group YesCymru had proposed multiple alternative symbols for the WRU. These included prominent symbols of Wales including the leek, daffodil and harp. [7]