England captain Maro Itoje has taken a firm stance ahead of the Six Nations, announcing he will no longer sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot because of the song’s links to American slavery.
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A fixture of Twickenham matchdays since 1987, the spiritual has long been associated with England’s biggest rugby moments. But its origins came under renewed scrutiny in 2020, leading the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to review its use.
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.
A song under the spotlight
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.
Itoje: ‘I won’t sing it again’
Itoje, who has previously voiced his discomfort with the song, has now decided to take an individual stand. The 30-year-old lock, who is of Nigerian heritage, spoke to L’Equipe about his decision.
“I’m not going to tell people what they should or shouldn’t do, but personally, I won’t sing this song again,” said Itoje.
“I sang it before when I was naive and didn’t know its origins, but now, knowing the context in the creation of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, it’s not an anthem that I’m going to repeat any more.”
What next for England fans?
With Itoje taking such a strong stance as captain, the question now is whether fans will follow suit. The RFU’s approach has been one of education rather than enforcement, allowing the crowd to decide whether the tradition should continue.
Some supporters argue that the song has been adopted as a rugby anthem and its meaning has evolved beyond its origins. Others, however, feel that it’s time to move on, especially if key figures in the England squad are distancing themselves from it.
Itoje’s decision adds a new layer to an already ongoing debate, and with the Six Nations around the corner, all eyes will be on Twickenham to see if Swing Low still echoes around the stands—or if change is finally on the horizon.
Full 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
ROUND 1
Thursday 5th February 2026
- France v Ireland – Stade de France, Paris – 8:10pm
Saturday 7th February 2026
- Italy v Scotland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome – 2:10pm
- England v Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – 4:40pm
