The RFU is conducting a review into the use of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot by England supporters, according to The Guardian.
England lock Maro Itoje recently described the historic context of the song as “complicated”.
RFU may urge England fans against singing Swing Low for link with slavery. Story: @gerard_meagher https://t.co/NaxMEDPMpp
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) June 18, 2020
Meanwhile, Mako Vunipla said: “I’ve always taken it as just the English song, really. I’ve never thought of it as any more or any less than that,
“Watching games when I was younger, when you hear it come on it’s obviously something special and when you’re on the field and hear it, it gives you a bit of a lift, so I never really thought about the meaning or if it’s from slavery.”
The union revealed to the Guardian that they will now be reviewing the song’s “historical context” and acknowledged the need to educate supporters as to its sensitivities.
“The RFU has stated we need to do more to achieve diversity and we are determined to accelerate change and grow awareness,” said an RFU spokesperson.
“The Swing Low, Sweet Chariot song has long been part of the culture of rugby and is sung by many who have no awareness of its origins or sensitivities. We are reviewing its historical context and our role in educating fans to make informed decisions.”
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British & Irish Lions predicted 2021 starting XV according to the bookies
You can view the full odds from Paddy Power HERE.
Odds are accurate on Wednesday, 22nd April 2020, 8am, and are subject to change.
Fullback: LIAM WILLIAMS (Wales 4/7)
Other contenders: Stuart Hogg (Scotland 4/6), Jordan Larmour (Ireland EVS), Leigh Halfpenny (Wales 5/1), George Furbank (England 7/2)
Left wing: JONNY MAY (England 1/25)
Other contenders: Jacob Stockdale (Ireland 1/3), Adam Radwan (England 40/1), Jack Nowell (England 11/4), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales 13/8)
Outside-centre: JONATHAN DAVIES (Wales 1/3)
Other contenders: Henry Slade (England 5/6), Garry Ringshow (Ireland 4/6), Jonathan Joseph (England 13/8), Chris Harris (Scotland 20/1), Huw Jones (Scotland 6/1)
Inside-centre: MANU TUILAGI (England 1/3)
Other contenders: Robbie Henshaw (Ireland 5/6), Hadleigh Parkes (Wales 5/4), Sam Johnson (Scotland 9/2)
Right wing: JOSH ADAMS (Wales 1/18)
Other contenders: Anthony Watson (England 4/6), George North (Wales 2/1), Elliot Daly (England 10/11), Joe Cokanasiga (England 3/1), Keith Earls (Ireland 9/2)
