Cardiff Rugby have issued a strong response after a Twitter user suggested they had "ticked a box" by appointing Chadd Mutyambizi as head coach of their U-18s side.
The Welsh team posted a profile article on Mutyambizi, highlighting his impressive progression up the age-grade coaching ladder to land the important role.
But one Twitter user, who describes himself as a rugby fan, sparked anger from members of the public when he responded with the words "Tick that box?".
Cardiff were so angry about the message they issued a public response on Wednesday night, saying: "The only boxes ticked here are superbly qualified, experienced, dedicated, Cardiff through-and-through volunteer and we couldn’t be prouder.
"We have reported your tweet and are relieved to find your name is not on any of our databases.
"Our club and rugby is fully inclusive."
Mutyambizi previously played at semi-professional level and began coaching Cardiff Harlequins, his boyhood club, 10 years ago.
He initially joined the Cardiff under-16 north side as an assistant coach and later moved south before taking charge of the under-17 side last season.
Mutyambizi said: “It’s been great. I’ve worked with a lot of these boys from when they first came into the under-16 programme around two or three years ago.
“I know them well and I’ve seen them develop during that time and I was really excited to work with them again, at a later stage in their development.
“It’s been fascinating to see how each individual has developed and I think there’s potential for them to grow even further over the next few weeks."
Mutyambizi has been nominated by Cardiff to join the Welsh Rugby Union’s Level 4 coaching course, as they bid to give development opportunities for coaches within the system.
Academy manager Gruff Rees added: “We’ve been thrilled with the way Chadd has developed over the years and he’s a prime example of what we stand for as a pathway system.
“He’s in a key role within our system, it is a crucial stage of talent development. His relationship with talent pathway manager, Aled James, is vital to ensure an understanding of the alignment we need at this stage to potentially progress, as well as the nature of training we need to bridge that gap from age grade rugby to the academy.
“Of course all eyes are going to be on the youngsters coming through and making steps into professional rugby. But as a club, when we speak about developing from within and putting faith in our own people, that extends to all aspects of the organisation. "
