Maro Itoje has said that England fans should make their own minds up on whether they sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot during England games.
The England and Saracens lock said previously that the song made him uncomfortable because of its links with slavery and that he would not sing it. But the 28-year-old has since said that the context in which the lyrics are sung today are “so different”.
While the RFU has not banned the song, branding around Twickenham, which used lyrics of the song, such as “Carry them home”, has been changed.
Itoje, speaking to the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme, said: “First of all, I don’t think anyone at Twickenham is singing that song out of malice. Most people sing that song to support their team, to support English rugby.
“I’m not going to sit here and tell people what they should or shouldn’t sing — I think everyone has the choice to make up their mind on that matter.
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“I just decided the context in which it was originally sung is so different to what it is now. That’s how I’ve settled that issue. This is one for individuals to make their mind up on.”
After a review in 2020 the RFU decided to try to educate fans about the song’s historical context, producing a video that explains its links to slavery and the England rugby team.
Itoje believes that rugby can do more to engage with communities outside of those that already play the game. Like his England team-mate Kyle Sinckler, who demonstrated his desire to engage youngsters from different backgrounds with The Times last week, Itoje thinks there is an untapped market in the country.
“Ultimately rugby is a great game, and we want it to grow and go into areas where it isn’t the norm,” he said. “The rugby community is amazing at singing to the choir. What it’s not good at is reaching a wider or broader audience.
“Rugby needs to try harder, to reach into these communities that don’t see rugby is for them. Once you’re engaged, most people love rugby once they understand it.
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“The England rugby team now is probably the most diverse it has ever been. Hopefully that will be a model for clubs to get children into the game.”
