Rugby World Cup organisers bow to pressure and re-record ‘disturbing’ anthems

Choir recordings without music have bemused supporters.

Wales stand for the National Anthem. Pic:  ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Rugby World Cup organisers have bowed to pressure and on Wednesday morning announced plans to re-record the pre-match national anthems after they faced widespread criticism across the tournament’s opening weekend. Officials also said the new versions would be subject to approval from the competing nations.

A project involving 7,000 schoolchildren from diverse backgrounds, La Mêlée des Chœurs, involves choirs singing each country’s anthem without accompanying music, but the response from fans was overwhelmingly negative.