Former Ireland captain finally reveals why he NEVER sang the national anthem
Rugby NewsSunday, 17 August 2025 at 08:24
Rory Best hung up his boots after the 2019 World Cup, wrapping up a stellar career that saw him lead Ireland to a Grand Slam, two wins over the All Blacks, and a trophy cabinet full of titles.
Despite his success, Best’s Northern Irish background made him a target for occasional criticism.
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Not Singing "Ireland’s Call" – The Big Question
It’s understandable why Best doesn’t sing "Amhrán na bhFiann" before home games, but the 36-year-old’s silence during “Ireland’s Call” – the anthem designed to unite the whole island of Ireland for rugby – raised more than a few eyebrows, especially since he was captain.
Best Explains Himself in a Candid Interview
Now, Best has opened up about his reasons for not joining in, sharing the story in an insightful interview with former teammate Darren Cave on
His explanation is as straightforward as it gets:
"Look, the thing is, it’s so ironic that you get abused for it, and nobody’s ever stopped and asked you, ‘why don’t you sing it?’" Best explained.
Throwing the Ball and the Anthem Dilemma
The roots of his decision go back to his Ireland Schools’ days, where a memorable moment left Best thinking twice about his pre-match rituals.
“It goes back to my Ireland Schools’ days. You think it’s going to be the greatest honour you’re ever going to achieve. You’re playing for Ireland. Being from rugby families like we were, you’re going ‘this is incredible!’” he recalled.
"You get so emotionally charged for it. And Ireland’s Call comes on that you’ve heard so many times in the old Lansdowne Road or watching on TV, and you’re belting it out.”
But then came the game that changed everything.
“I remember we played France or England. Kicked off. I’m flying up going ‘the first guy is getting it!’ They catch it, kick it out, and I’m turning around, running back to get a ball, still thinking ‘somebody’s gonna get it.’ I fired this throw in and it went… like I tell the story that it went three times the height of the person I was throwing it to. It wasn’t that bad! And it flew over the top.”
Emotional Overload – The Fear of Losing Focus
That one throw made Best realise just how emotional the national anthems could be for him. "From then on, I went, I can’t go into a game… because it’s so emotive to me, Ireland’s Call. And actually, even the tail end of the Irish national anthem, you know the way you get that build-up for that crescendo at the end."
For Best, the risk of losing focus in a crucial moment was just too high.
"The problem is then, I worry that it’s going to happen in a big game. That we’re going to kick off against the All Blacks, Beauden Barrett’s going to catch it, kick it out, and then I’m fully charged, trying to focus in.
"It is such a core skill. It’s a bit like goalkicking, you have to get your heart rate down, you have to focus, get your breathing back, and focus for that split second to throw the perfect throw.”
"Pollock starts” – Our predicted Lions XV for the All Blacks tour in 2029
han the understrength Wallabies outfit Farrell has dispatched this year. Whoever takes the reins as head coach will be under intense pressure to get selections right.
With that in mind, here’s our early prediction for the 2029 Lions Test XV.
15. Blair Kinghorn
Despite missing most of the 2025 tour through injury and Top 14 commitments, Kinghorn remains one of the most complete fullbacks available to the Lions. On form, he’s the best in the Home Nations, offering versatility and composure at the back.
At 28, he’ll be in excellent physical shape by 2029. Starting the final Test this weekend provides valuable experience. While Sale’s Joe Carpenter is a rising threat, Kinghorn’s proven Test-level pedigree keeps him ahead.
14. Tommy Freeman
Freeman was a nailed-on starter throughout the 2025 series — and for good reason. At 24, he’s still developing but already plays like a seasoned international. His size, power, and try-scoring instinct make him a nightmare for defenders.
By 2029, he’ll be at his peak and could be one of the standout figures in the Lions backline.
13. Ollie Lawrence
Lawrence missed the 2025 tour through injury but would have almost certainly travelled — and challenged for a starting spot. With Huw Jones likely past his best at 35 in 2029, Lawrence (who’ll be 29) has a golden opportunity to claim the 13 jersey.
If he regains his top form, he’ll be tough to leave out.
12. Sione Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu impressed during the 2025 season and was arguably unlucky to be benched in favour of Bundee Aki, despite being in better form. By 2029, he’ll be 32 and bring a wealth of experience.
His blend of physicality and skill, along with a calm head, will be vital against the All Blacks.
11. Mack Hansen
Injury kept Hansen out of the 2025 series, but if fit, he’ll be 31 in 2029 and still a major attacking threat. His flair, game intelligence, and unpredictability make him a fan favourite.
If Andy Farrell isn’t retained as coach, Hansen could be overlooked for a winger from another nation — but on ability alone, he’s hard to ignore.
10. Fin Smith
Smith is the standout young fly-half in English rugby and showed real quality during the 2025 series, even if opportunities were limited. His decision-making, game management and kicking are already top-tier.
By 2029, he could be the best No.10 available. Sam Prendergast might challenge him, but Smith currently looks the more complete package.
9. Alex Mitchell
Mitchell is in his prime at 28 and impressed during the 2025 tour. With few younger No.9s putting their hands up, he’s in a strong position to retain the jersey.
If his partnership with Fin Smith continues at Northampton Saints, that club connection could be a big plus for the Lions in 2029.
1. Andrew Porter
Porter had a strong 2025 campaign and remains a key figure in the front row. A year younger than Ellis Genge, his improving scrummaging and discipline could give him the edge in selection.
He looks better with every season.
2. Dan Sheehan
Arguably the standout player of the 2025 tour, Sheehan is still only 26. His dynamism, lineout accuracy and class around the field make him one of the easiest selections.
Barring injury or a dramatic dip in form, expect him to be starting in 2029.
3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
A breakout year for Sale Sharks has put Opoku-Fordjour on the map. At just 21, he’s already among the top tightheads in the Premiership.
Strong in the scrum and dangerous in open play, he could be one of rugby’s biggest names by 2029 if his rise continues.
4. Maro Itoje
Itoje captained the Lions in 2025 and remains a central figure. He’ll be 34 in 2029, but his leadership, physicality and tour experience should keep him firmly in the mix.
No one matches his influence in the big moments.
5. George Martin
Injuries limited Martin’s involvement in 2025, but his long-term partnership with Itoje for England makes him a natural successor. He’ll be 28 in 2029 and hitting peak form.
His physicality and work rate will make him hard to ignore.
6. Tom Curry
Few players are more committed than Curry. Despite a tough run of injuries, he remains a ferocious tackler and tireless presence.
At 31, he should still be near his best — and a guaranteed starter if fit.
7. Henry Pollock
Pollock was the wildcard pick everyone wanted in 2025 — and he delivered. His rise has been rapid, and he plays with confidence and flair.
If he stays on course, he could be a global star in 2029. A game-changer in every sense.
8. Caelan Doris
Doris was tipped to captain the 2025 side before injury struck. That dream might only be delayed. He’s widely regarded as the best No.8 in the Home Nations and, at 30, will still be at the top of his game in 2029.
While Jack Conan performed well this year, Doris offers more across the board. There may be back-row reshuffles involving Jac Morgan or Pollock, but Doris remains the gold standard.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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