Maro Itoje Explains Why He Chooses Not to Sing the England Rugby Anthem

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The song has been a staple of Twickenham matchdays since 1987, with fans belting it out to celebrate England’s biggest moments. However, its historical background came under scrutiny in 2020, prompting the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to reassess its official stance.

The RFU launched a review into Swing Low, Sweet Chariot at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, acknowledging its complex past. The song is widely credited to Wallace Willis, a 19th-century freed slave, and was originally a spiritual hymn sung by enslaved African Americans.

While the governing body ultimately chose not to ban the chant, it made significant changes. The RFU stopped using the song in official marketing and merchandise, aiming to educate fans about its origins rather than outright prohibiting it. A video was released to provide historical context, and the union made it clear they would encourage fans to consider the meaning behind what they were singing.