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.”
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“Test dreams in tatters” – 5 Lions flops who’ve fallen flat on tour
Four matches in, and the Lions tour is already separating the contenders from the pretenders. While some players are pushing hard for a place in the Test XV, others have gone missing when it mattered most.
Whether it’s rust, nerves, or just being outplayed, these five Lions have done themselves no favours – and could be heading home with regret.
Fin Smith – Under pressure, underwhelming
All eyes were on Fin Smith to make a statement with Owen Farrell still looming over the fly-half conversation. But instead of stepping up, he produced a performance that did little to settle nerves.
Smith failed to make a major impression in the tour opener against Argentina, looking tentative and overly conservative in key moments.
Things didn’t improve much in his second outing against the Waratahs, where he tried to force the issue in the second half—only for the mistakes to pile up and the game to slip further away from him.
? Test chances: Fading fast. He’s no longer a clear bench option, and others are circling.
Hugo Keenan – Off the boil
After being made to wait for his chance, Keenan finally got his shot against the Waratahs—and it couldn’t have gone much worse.
He opened with a dropped ball under little pressure and followed it with a missed tackle that directly led to a try. Normally so composed and reliable, Keenan looked rattled from the off and never quite found his rhythm or influence on the game.
? Test chances: This was a golden opportunity to nail down a claim. He let it slip through his fingers—literally.
Pierre Schoeman – Scrummaged into trouble
The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon—but against the Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to hold his ground and was part of a front row that got manhandled far too often.
With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant shift last week, Schoeman’s underwhelming showing couldn’t have come at a worse time. The raw power and aggression he’s known for were notably absent.
? Test chances: He’s still in the mix, but firmly behind the frontrunners now.
Tom Curry – A shadow of his best
This tour was supposed to be Curry’s return to dominance, but so far he’s looked anything but. Against Argentina in the opener and again versus the Reds, Curry seemed a step behind play.
His trademark defensive tenacity was muted, and while he rallied late on with a few solid tackles, the damage was already done. His lack of synergy with the back row around him was noticeable—and concerning.
? Test chances: Still respected, but form has to match reputation. Right now, it doesn’t.
Duhan van der Merwe – Rusty and out of rhythm
The big winger has been one of the Lions’ most electric weapons in recent years, but injuries have clearly disrupted his build-up.
He’s looked off the pace, lacking sharpness both with ball in hand and in defensive positioning. Meanwhile, James Lowe has seized every chance to impress. Duhan’s physicality remains a threat, but his edge seems dulled for now.
? Test chances: Slipping away quickly. Needs a statement game—and soon.
