Why Ireland Legend Rory Best Refused to Sing the National Anthem

Despite his success, Best’s Northern Irish background made him a target for occasional criticism.

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.

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 

The Rugby Pod.

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.

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.”

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.”

John Peter Rhys "JPR" Williams was a cornerstone of Welsh rugby during the 1970s. Known for his fearless defense and counter-attacking prowess, he earned 55 caps for Wales and participated in eight Tests for the Lions. His iconic playing style, characterized by low socks and distinctive sideburns, left an indelible mark on the sport.

Jiffy said: "In attack, JPR was to be seen either working in tandem with his wing three-quarters or terrifying defensive lines. He was also a towering figure in defence, safe as houses under a high ball and with a penchant for demolishing attackers."

Thomas Gerald Reames Davies, celebrated for his electrifying speed and sidestep, was instrumental in Wales' dominance during the 1970s. Earning 46 caps for Wales and five for the Lions, his agility and tactical acumen made him a formidable opponent.

Jiffy said: "I have so many fond memories of seeing him taking on opponents—often with a swagger which very few have the right to exhibit. He wove, he probed, he varied his angles of running and was always in position to counter-attack from deep in tandem with his full-back."

Jeremy Guscott was renowned for his elegance and composure on the field. With 65 caps for England and eight for the Lions, his intuitive play and versatility made him a central figure in the backline.

Jiffy said: "Jerry restored fans’ faith in the aesthetic and artistic qualities of the game. I always appreciated his effortless style. Opponents were unable to predict whether he was going to run, pass or kick. Everything he did was instinctive, and this made him a very difficult player to read."

Michael Gibson, a stalwart of Irish rugby, was celebrated for his versatility and footballing intelligence. Accumulating 69 caps for Ireland and 12 for the Lions, his adaptability allowed him to excel in multiple backline positions.

Jiffy said: "Mike Gibson was the complete footballer, ‘phenomenal’ according to The New Zealand Rugby Annual. In an interview, Brian O’Driscoll paid a sincere tribute to one of Irish rugby’s greatest ever players: ‘At times when Irish rugby wasn’t successful, he was always the shining light.'"

John James "JJ" Williams, with his background as a sprinter, brought exceptional pace to the rugby field. Earning 30 caps for Wales and seven for the Lions, his try-scoring ability was pivotal in many crucial matches.

Jiffy said: "His combination of electrifying speed and breathtaking audacity disarmed organised defences on the Lions tour of South Africa in 1974."

Barry John, dubbed "The King," was celebrated for his tactical brilliance and composure under pressure. With 25 caps for Wales and five for the Lions, his performance on the 1971 New Zealand tour solidified his legendary status.

Jiffy said: "Who is it to be, Phil or Barry? Roy of the Rovers or The King? My heart says Phil. My head says Barry. And, ultimately, it is with my head that I have to pick this team. For what he achieved in New Zealand in 1971, Barry John will wear the No 10 shirt."

Gareth Edwards is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. With 53 caps for Wales and 10 for the Lions, his dynamic play and leadership were instrumental in his teams' successes.

Jiffy said: "If you put on the field the 15 best players to have played in the distinctive Lions red, the No 9 shirt would automatically be handed to Gareth Owen Edwards."

Ian "Mighty Mouse" McLauchlan was known for his strength and tenacity in the scrum. Earning 43 caps for Scotland and playing in eight Tests for the Lions, his performance on the 1971 tour to New Zealand was particularly noteworthy.

Jiffy said: "In the first Test against New Zealand at Dunedin in 1971, McLauchlan charged down a clearance kick by Alan Sutherland in his own 22 and scored a crucial try in a 9-3 win. It set the tone for the whole series."

Keith Wood, nicknamed "The Raging Potato," was celebrated for his dynamic play and leadership. With 58 caps for Ireland and five for the Lions, his athleticism and skill set new standards for the hooker position.

Jiffy said: "One of the finest hookers of his generation. He had pace, athleticism, strength in tight situations, coolness under pressure, explosive running, superb kicking and handling skills, leadership along with scrummaging expertise."

Francis "Fran" Cotton was a formidable presence in the front row. Earning 31 caps for England and participating in seven Tests for the Lions, his strength and technique were highly regarded.

Jiffy said: "Cotton was a man-mountain; physical, solid with a powerful upper body, a player of immense strength."

William "Willie John" McBride holds the record for the most Lions caps, with 17 appearances. His leadership on the 1974 South Africa tour is legendary, and he earned 63 caps for Ireland.

Jiffy said: "His performances, on and off the pitch, as captain in South Africa in 1974 remain the stuff of legends, a staple of after dinner speeches in rugby clubs the world over. Abrasive and uncompromising, he was also cool-headed even in the often violent heat of Test match battle.”

Gordon Brown, affectionately known as "Broon frae Troon," was one of Scotland’s finest second-row forwards. With 30 caps for Scotland and eight for the Lions, his toughness and work ethic made him a key figure in the legendary 1974 tour of South Africa.

Jiffy said: "When the going got tough, Brown always got going and he was not scared to mix it with some of the more unsavoury elements in the All Blacks and Springbok sides. He may well have been baby-faced, but he had the heart and the armoury of a warrior."

Fergus Slattery, a dynamic and aggressive flanker, was a crucial part of Ireland’s success in the 1970s. Earning 61 caps for Ireland and playing in eight Lions Tests, he was a tireless worker with exceptional leadership skills.

Jiffy said: "One of those old-fashioned flankers who put the complete and utter fear of God in midfield backs generally—and mere fly-halves especially."

Mervyn "Merv the Swerve" Davies was a towering presence at No. 8, known for his intelligence, leadership, and dominance in the lineout. He won 38 caps for Wales and played in eight Tests for the Lions, captaining the team in 1976 before his career was tragically cut short due to illness.

Richard Hill was the ultimate team player—an unselfish, intelligent, and relentless competitor. With 71 caps for England and five for the Lions, he played a key role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph and was a crucial part of the Lions' 1997 series win in South Africa.

Richard Hill was the ultimate team player—an unselfish, intelligent, and relentless competitor. With 71 caps for England and five for the Lions, he played a key role in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph and was a crucial part of the Lions' 1997 series win in South Africa.

Jiffy said: "A thoroughly decent human being, loyal and hardworking, he devoted himself to the team at all times, to the point of self-sacrifice. While some flankers are self-proclaimed all-action heroes, making big and very visible hits in the open field, or in search of the eye-catching run and the try-scoring opportunity, Hill used his considerable brain, brawn, and bravery in the trenches, in the sapping close-quarters confrontations, forever scrapping and wrestling, grappling and grunting."

England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!