Max Boyce in dig at WRU during live performance of Hymns and ...

Renowned singer and comedian Max Boyce performed a new version of his greatest hit with a twinkle in his eye and a dig at the Welsh Rugby Union ahead of Wales' Six Nations game against France. In front of the sell-out Principality Stadium, he sang an updated version of Hymns and Arias.

It included a verse written exclusively for the fixture, with a dig at the row over singing Delilah. The Welsh Rugby Union's decision to remove Sir Tom Jones hit and Welsh rugby anthem Delilah from choirs' setlists at the Principality Stadium caused controversy last year.

There had been calls to ditch Welsh rugby's association with the iconic 1968 ballad for some time due to its portrayal of domestic violence. You can read more about why the song was banned here.

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It was a topic that Boyce highlighted with a cheeky grin in his 2024 version of his biggest hit. Written by Boyce in the 1970s, the song has become synonymous with Welsh rugby and is regularly sung by crowds watching games. It tells the tale of how Wales beat England at Twickenham and recounts an away day for working class fans, including the celebrations afterwards.

There was also a mention of Shaun Edwards and a nod to Mother's Day in the version performed on Sunday.

Gabby Logan introduced 'Uncle Max' on the BBC coverage explaining it had been rewritten to mark the 25th anniversary of the Principality Stadium.

Max told the crowd: "I want you to sing Hymns and Arias like you have never sung it before."

This was the song in full:

"We said farewell to Wembley, when England's hope was slain.

But now we are back in Cardiff, where Derek has forecast rain.

And the French will hear us singing and their heads will fill with doubt

For it is Mother's day in Cardiff, and the daffodils are out.

And we were singing...

The French are looking worried, they are not so self assured.

They drove down here this morning, on the wrong side of the road.

And they heard the choirs singing, and they listened to the band

We would have sung Delilah (pause), but the Union had it banned.

And we were singing...

France should have lost to Scotland, you should have heard the crowd.

They were screaming at the linesman, but the try was disallowed.

He was sitting with his guide dog, so I think it might be wise

Next time he goes to Scotland, he goes there in disguise.

And we were singing...

The French have disappointed, they have lost their savoir faire.

When they lost against the Irish, Shaun Edwards lost his hair.

So if we lose again today, and Shaun he gets the sack

I'll sell my mother's council house, to try and get him back.

And we were singing...

That side we played in Dublin, best Irish side I've seen.

I'm just glad I'm colour blind, and I can't tell red from green.

So when the game had ended and the singing had begun

I joined the celebrations because I thought that Wales had won.

And we were singing...

"I read the Sunday papers that Wales could win today.

So I wish the roof was open so God could watch us play.

And I hope you show forgiveness to all of those who doubt.

For this Mother's Day in Cardiff, and the daffodils are out.

And we were singing..."

Hymns and Arias appeared on Boyce's debut album, 'Max Boyce In Session' in 1971, and was recorded again a few years later at Treorchy RFC’s clubhouse as part of 'Live at Treorchy' - an album of songs, poetry and comedy which sold millions of copies worldwide.

Fans loved the rendition with one calling for him to be given a slot at Glastonbury and lots describing him as a legend.