‘Dan Cole’s face says it all’ – Sam Ryder’s rendition of God Save the King polarises fans before Premiership Final
Sam Ryder performs God Save the King and an inset of Dan Cole. (TNT Sport)
The Gallagher Premiership Final between Bath and Leicester Tigers caused a stir before the first kick of the ball on Saturday at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
This was because of the surprising rendition of God Save the King prior to kick-off.
Usually, the anthem is sung by a performer, but not this time as English singer, songwriter, producer, composer and social media personality Sam Ryder strutted out with an electric guitar and performed the anthem with no vocals.
It caught several players by surprise as they were notably stunned by what unfolded, and onlookers all felt the same too.
Social media split
Retiring England great Dan Cole was one of those who were visually shocked.
“Dan Cole’s face says it all during that rendition of the national anthem,” one post on social media platform X read.
So many fans were baffled with one comment reading: “What on earth was that anthem about.”
The move away from a traditional singer polarised the fans which many slamming it for being a very American approach.
“Oh no. Electric guitar version of the national anthem. Hideously American antics,” @rugby_AP wrote.
Rugby Inside Line added: “This national anthem for the Prem Final is very American isn’t it… Interesting.”
A special rendition of the National Anthem, performed by Sam Ryder ✨#GallagherPremFinal pic.twitter.com/GZiqaS88KJ
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) June 14, 2025
“Imagine retiring after this final after hearing that. Mockery of the anthem and I’m not even a royalist!” Another remarked.
One post read: “Dan Cole’s face says it all. Oh my days a picture is worth a thousand words or what?! Bonkers man!”
“Well that was absolutely horrific!” another added.
But there were those who enjoyed the change.
“Fair play to Sam Ryder. He’s made the national anthem sound not shit for the first time in history,” one fan gleamed.
Ruck ‘n Roll added: “God Save the King by Sam Ryder on electric guitar This final is like a fever dream already.”
“Yes Sam Ryder what a legend! Nice bit of guitaaaaar to start the rugby off! Come on Tigers!!” Kathryn Maskew wrote.
“Way prefer that version of the anthem than opera singers,” another post read.
READ MORE: Dan Cole makes retirement call after honest reflection about ‘next chapter’ at Leicester Tigers
