England rugby could ban Swing Low, Sweet Chariot because of slavery links

It’s been the unofficial anthem for supporters of England’s rugby team since the late 1980s but it could be gone because of its links to slavery.

English fans might be singing a different tune.

Rugby union bosses in England are to carry out a review into the “historical context” of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – an anthem regularly sung by thousands of fans during matches at Twickenham.

The song has its roots in American slavery in the 19th century, which many supporters may be unaware of.

England’s governing body, the Rugby Football Union, has said it wants to educate fans about its origins, as well as undertaking the review.

It comes after global Black Lives Matter protests, including in the UK, about racial inequality in the wake of the police killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The anthem has been sung by fans since the late 1980s, but it dates back to its credited author, Wallace Willis, who was a freed Oklahoma slave.

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It became a popular spiritual song in the early 20th century and was popularised again among folk musicians during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

In 1987, it was sung by fans at Twickenham during a Middlesex Sevens tournament when Martin “Chariots” Offiah played.

The fast winger was given the nickname Chariots Offiah as a play on words with the movie Chariots of Fire, about two runners competing in the 1924 Olympics.

About Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -
1. This was sung in rugby clubs when I was still a colt and well before Martin Offiah and Chris Oti played senior rugby.
2. It was sung because of the rude gestures that went with it and without any thought of its origins.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) June 18, 2020

The RFU has decided many fans are unaware of the anthem’s story and is ready to address the issue.

A spokesman said: “The RFU has stated we need to do more to achieve diversity and we are determined to accelerate change and grow awareness.

“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 sensitivities.

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

It’s already created frustration among some supporters. English pundit Martin Daubney wrote: “Nothing will be left soon. We are living through an absurd Maoist desire to wipe out everything that came before the Great Woke Revolution of 2020.”

Ben Habib added: “Absolutely no damn way. No one is stopping me singing Swing Low Sweet Chariot.”

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is a 'slave' hymn, but surely it's one of aspirational triumph sung by people who believed that, whatever their hardship here, no cruel human could prevent their eternal salvation. And rugby fans first sang it in praise of Martin Offiah. Why the issue?

— Mark Acheson (@markacheson) June 18, 2020

This article was originally published by Sky Sports and reproduced with permission