Rory Best Explains Why He Never Sang Ireland's National Anthem
Yesterday at 04:52 AM
Rory Best hung up his boots after the 2019 World Cup, wrapping up a stellar career that saw him lead Ireland to a Grand Slam, two wins over the All Blacks, and a trophy cabinet full of titles.
Despite his success, Best's Northern Irish background made him a target for occasional criticism.
Not Singing “Ireland's Call” – The Big Question
It's understandable why Best doesn't sing “Amhrán na bhFiann” before home games, but the 36-year-old's silence during "Ireland's Call" – the anthem designed to unite the whole island of Ireland for rugby – raised more than a few eyebrows, especially since he was captain.
Best Explains Himself in a Candid Interview
Now, Best has opened up about his reasons for not joining in, sharing the story in an insightful interview with former teammate Darren Cave on The Rugby Pod.
His explanation is as straightforward as it gets:
“Look, the thing is, it's so ironic that you get abused for it, and nobody's ever stopped and asked you, 'why don't you sing it?'” Best explained.
Throwing the Ball and the Anthem Dilemma
The roots of his decision go back to his Ireland Schools' days, where a memorable moment left Best thinking twice about his pre-match rituals.
"It goes back to my Ireland Schools' days. You think it's going to be the greatest honour you're ever going to achieve. You're playing for Ireland. Being from rugby families like we were, you're going 'this is incredible!'" he recalled.
“You get so emotionally charged for it. And Ireland's Call comes on that you've heard so many times in the old Lansdowne Road or watching on TV, and you're belting it out."
But then came the game that changed everything.
"I remember we played France or England. Kicked off. I'm flying up going 'the first guy is getting it!' They catch it, kick it out, and I'm turning around, running back to get a ball, still thinking 'somebody's gonna get it.' I fired this throw in and it went… like I tell the story that it went three times the height of the person I was throwing it to. It wasn't that bad! And it flew over the top."
Emotional Overload – The Fear of Losing Focus
That one throw made Best realise just how emotional the national anthems could be for him. “From then on, I went, I can't go into a game… because it's so emotive to me, Ireland's Call. And actually, even the tail end of the Irish national anthem, you know the way you get that build-up for that crescendo at the end.”
For Best, the risk of losing focus in a crucial moment was just too high.
“The problem is then, I worry that it's going to happen in a big game. That we're going to kick off against the All Blacks, Beauden Barrett's going to catch it, kick it out, and then I'm fully charged, trying to focus in.
“It is such a core skill. It's a bit like goalkicking, you have to get your heart rate down, you have to focus, get your bre
Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player’s career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.
While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.
From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.
2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker
Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.
Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.
However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.
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THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
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- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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