After an opening round that drew heavy criticism from rugby fans and pundits alike, the children’s choir that sung the national anthem’s ahead of some Rugby World Cup matches, could be set for a change.
Recent reports suggest that each of the 20 competing nations will be given the decision, as to whether they want to keep the choir, or have the anthem played throughout the stadium in a traditional style. The criticisms began after France’s national anthem ‘La Marseillaise’ was performed out of sync by the choir, ahead of the Rugby World Cup opener against the All Blacks last Friday.
The likes of former England international Andy Goode, and ex-Scotland lock Jim Hamilton are amongst some high profile names who had voiced their criticisms of the choirs. Former Ireland international Rob Kearney highlighted how the choirs, live or pre-recorded, are “killing that five-minute pre-game buzz.”
The backlash on the choirs puts the competition organisers in a difficult position. Officials are set to meet this week to identify ways to solve the problem, and keep everyone on-side. Reports from French outlet Midi Olympique stated how having the players and fans sing their anthem’s second verse or chorus without the choir, is being considered as a middle ground.