England rugby fans could be BANNED from singing ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’

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REVEALED: England rugby fans could be BANNED from singing the iconic ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ song because it originated among slaves in America 150 years ago

  • The RFU are conducting a review into how rugby can end institutional racism  
  • ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ was first sung by a slave in America in the 1860s
  • It was first sung by fans at Twickenham in the 80s when black wingers scored

By Will Kelleher For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

England rugby fans could soon be banned from singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot at matches because of the song’s ties with slavery, it has emerged. 

The iconic anthem which rings round the stands at Twickenham is being reviewed by the Rugby Football Union, which has launched a wide-ranging probe into racism. 

The anthem was first belted out at the stadium when black wingers from rugby league and union – Martin Offiah and Chris Oti – scored tries in the late 1980s.

It is believed to have originated among American slave workers around 150 years ago.

Twickenham itself is plastered with lyrics of the song – including the marketing mantra ‘Carry Them Home’ – and the song has often been covered and released as an official England World Cup song in the past.

But the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests have put elements of Britain’s chequered history under the microscope – and sparked calls to stamp out glorification of the colonial era’s darker periods.   

One of the game’s biggest stars Maro Itoje has already expressed doubts about the anthem.

In an exclusive interview with Sportsmail this week, he said: ‘I don’t think anyone at Twickenham is singing it with malicious intent, but the background of that song is complicated.’ 

England’s rugby anthem Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is under review by the RFU

The Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, USA on a visit to England where they where invited to give a concert before Queen Victoria

The Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, USA on a visit to England where they where invited to give a concert before Queen Victoria 

Martin Offiah is another player who be playing while the song was sung during the 80s

Martin Offiah is another player who be playing while the song was sung during the 80s

As part of a wide-ranging review into how rugby can put an end to institutional racism and be more inclusive the RFU council has appointed Genevieve Glover as chair of a diversity working group.

And while the RFU is unlikely to ban outright the singing of Swing Low it will look to inform fans of its history.

‘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 spokeswoman.

‘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 its sensitivities.

Maro Itoje told SPortsmail this week that the song is 'complicated' due to its origins

Maro Itoje told SPortsmail this week that the song is ‘complicated’ due to its origins 

‘We are reviewing its historical context and our role in educating fans to make informed decisions.’

Meanwhile the boss of the French Top14 league has not ruled out clubs in France and England taking legal action if international stakeholders force them to move their competitions to the summer.

Paul Goze was livid with the provisional plan presented to the clubs by unions on Monday.

‘The way the talks during Monday’s meeting were carried out leads us to anticipate a decision which would not take into account what’s at stake for professional clubs,’ he said.

‘We must prepare to take all measures to protect these interests, in France and in England.’

‘SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT’

The song is believed to have first been written by a slave called William Wallis in Oklahoma, around 1865.  

A minister transcribed the words he heard Wallis singing and the African American group The Jubilee Singers popularised it as they toured around America, the United Kingdom and Europe in the early 20th century.

In 1939, during the second World War, the song was branded ‘undesired and harmful’ by the Nazis.

It had a resurgence during the Civil Rights Movement in 1960s America – folk singer Joan Baez lays claim to the most notable version from that era, when she performed it at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

In 2011, Judy Eason McIntyre, state senator for Oklahoma, proposed that the song became the Oklahoma State official gospel song and it was signed into law in May of that year.