‘An abomination’ – calls for Rugby World Cup organisers to make changes after French and Italian anthems butchered

There are a variety of opinions that go around when the sport comes together every four years for the Rugby World Cup, but there is one thing fans seem united on.

Yes, that is the national anthems, which have not gone down well with pretty much everybody watching.

It started on Friday night prior to France’s victory over New Zealand when the great La Marseillaise failed to have an impact before the Italian anthem, Il Canto degli Italiani, was similarly butchered ahead of their clash with Namibia.

Before each game, they are using a recording of a kids choir singing the songs and it has not been well received.

”Stupid choir s***”

“So far this world cup has ruined the French and Italian National Anthems by doing some stupid choir s***, when the Italian anthem is the greatest ever usually,” one person tweeted.

Another added: “World cup butchering the Italian and French national anthems is unforgivable.”

While it seemed like a lovely idea to get youngsters involved, in hindsight it probably wasn’t the greatest decision.

Calls have therefore come from various users on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the World Cup organisers to make changes going forward.

Tom O’Hanlon wrote: “They have to scrap that children’s choir at the Rugby World Cup, they are butchering all the anthems,” while another put, “it’s an abomination.”

Many also believe that it ruins the spectacle of the supporters getting properly involved in the anthems.

“These choirs are ruining the passion of the National Anthems at the World Cup,” one wrote. “It’s not about them, it’s about the fans and the players!!!”

Recorded rather than live

X user Marie also explained why a recording is being played over the PA system rather than the kids choir actually being there.

She wrote: “It’s actually a quite sad story: the FFR commissioned some schools to sing the anthems, promising them they would sing live and attend the games, and they changed their minds at the last minute, recording the kids and telling them to enjoy the game in front of their TVs…”

For Rugby Inside Line, their message to World Rugby was simple:

“Dear @BillBeaumont,

“Please use your executive powers to save the national anthems. There have been crimes against humanity in the first two games. It should not be possible to ruin the French and Italian anthems.”

“Kind regards,

“The ear drums of rugby viewers.”

It did not improve in the Ireland’s encounter either, with Squidge Rugby stating: “Children’s choir Ireland’s Call sounds like it belongs on the trailer for a horror movie.”

Social media was awash with criticism but we did find one person who enjoyed in the form of Emily, who wrote: “I seem to be the only one but i’m really enjoying the children’s choir versions of the national anthems at the Rugby World Cup.”

READ MORE: Seven-try Italy put 50 past plucky Namibia in Saint-Etienne