Former England captain Chris Robshaw has admitted he was not aware of the Swing Low’s history, and has insisted the RFU is right to examine its past.
The RFU have launched a review into the ‘historical context’ of the song – which is regularly belted out by England supporters and has its lyrics written on the walls at Twickenham.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot lyrics and meaning: History of the England rugby anthem at the centre of a racism debate | @AlexFinnis https://t.co/EWhMVate52
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“In all honesty I didn’t know the history of it,” he said.
“And I think it’s making people aware of things, aware of its past, and that’s always for the better.
“In terms of what’s going on, I’m fully supportive of the movement (Black Lives Matter).”
Robshaw will leave his Harlequins at the end of the season, signing for Major League outfit San Diego in January 2021, with the American league season’s start date allowing him a farewell at The Stoop.
Along the way Robshaw has received many individual accolades including being named Premiership Player of the Year in both 2008/09 and 2011/12 – the only player in history to do so twice. He was also named as the DHL Player of the Season for his outstanding performances in 2018/19 where he also served as the Club’s Co-Captain.
DID YOU KNOW? Robshaw also co-owns a coffee shop in Winchester called Josie’s.
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Chris Robshaw facts: 10 things you didn’t know about the England legend
Being one of the most popular players on the globe is likely to generate an incredible fan-base globally, but we are fairly confident that there are some aspects of Chris Robshaw’s life and career you are not familiar with.
1. Early life
Born the second of three boys, Robshaw had to cope with the trauma of his father’s death when he was just five years old. Alan, an architect, died from a heart attack at 40. His mother, Patricia, raised her sons alone.
2. Struggles in school
The future England star struggled with dyslexia at school, but was able to release his frustation on the rugby pitch.
“Dyslexia was a huge struggle, the classroom and academic work was difficult, so my happy place, the place where I learned to grow in confidence was out at the club playing mini-rugby, going out and playing in school”,
3. His love of Arsenal
Boyhood Arsenal supporter Chris Robshaw welcomed England’s red wine change strip in 2012 – because it looks like the kit once worn by his Gunners heroes.
