‘Beautiful’: Wallabies sing national anthem in Yugambeh language ahead of England Test

An extraordinary pre-game moment from the Wallabies left rugby fans speechless and saw the team showered with praise on Saturday night.

The Wallabies have been showered with praise after singing the Australian national anthem in Yugambeh language ahead of Saturday evening’s Test match against England in Brisbane.

In recognition of NAIDOC week, Australia donned a First Nations jersey at Suncorp Stadium and sang “Advance Australia Fair” in Yugambeh language, traditionally spoken by Indigenous Australians living in South-East Queensland, accompanied by the Yugambeh Youth Choir.

The men in yellow were also paying homage to proud Mununjali and Wakka Wakka man Uncle Lloyd McDermott, the first Wallaby to identify as a First Nations man.

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“As a team, we’re extremely proud to be able to celebrate NAIDOC week by wearing our First Nations jersey and singing in Uncle’s language on Saturday night in Brisbane,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.

“We put a lot of time into understanding who we play for and who we represent and the privilege to play for Australia isn’t lost on us.”

Two years ago, the Wallabies became the first national side to sing the anthem in First Nations language, belting the tune in Eora language before a Test match against Argentina in Parramatta.

The Wallabies were also the first national sporting team to wear a First Nations jersey, debuting the kit at Suncorp Stadium in 2017.

This was so great to see. Well done @wallabies, hope to see this more. 👏 https://t.co/UiSDzVVUG9

— Alicia Eva (@AliciaEva2) July 9, 2022

Never has it sounded more beautiful to me #Wallabies#AUSvsENGhttps://t.co/omEGRjLiZn

— Alan Duffy (@astroduff) July 9, 2022

Oh my goodness the @wallabies singing the Australian national anthem in Yugambeh before English! I never thought I would see that happen. 🖤💛❤

— Rhea Liang (@LiangRhea) July 9, 2022

What a night! Incredible pre-game coverage from @StanSportRugby incorporating our indigenous culture. An iconic performance from @MitchTambo. And @wallabies in the Indigenous Jersey, singing our anthem in lingo.
Goosebumps and pride 🖤💛❤️ #letsgoWallabies#AussieAussieAussie

— Kurtley Beale (@kurtley_beale) July 9, 2022

The @wallabies singing the Australian national anthem in local language. Yes. 👏🏼@StanSportAU#AUSvsENG

— Erin Holland (@erinvholland) July 9, 2022

It's so refreshing to see the First Nations focus at this @wallabies test match. I want one of those Indigenous jerseys! #NAIDOCWeek2022#AUSvENG

— Joel Werner (@joelwerner) July 9, 2022

Fox Sports reporter Christy Doran tweeted: “Wallabies singing the national anthem in the Yugambeh language and wearing their Indigenous jersey against England in Brisbane. Beautiful. Every Wallaby knowing the lyrics, too. Very special, particularly during NAIDOC week. Well done Australian rugby.”

Channel 10 journalist Veronica Eggleton tweeted: “I don’t know why the Wallabies don’t wear the Indigenous jersey permanently. It’s so much better than their usual strip.”

Last month, it was announced that the Wallabies would no longer contest for the Cook Cup when facing England in Test rugby, with the crystal trophy rebranded in an attempt the better represent the sport’s history.