Rugby World Cup organisers to re-record anthems after criticism

Following widespread disapproval, new renditions of the national anthems are set to be recorded for Rugby World Cup matches.

Choirs involving 7 000 schoolchildren from diverse backgrounds sung each country's anthem without accompanying music, with the recordings played in the stadiums.

However, the general consensus was the versions used did not hit the mark, with players and supporters singing out of sync as a result.

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Tournament organisers have accepted the criticism and proposed that new, more simplified adaptations would be used that retain the voices of the children.

"We've clearly understood and received the feedback from fans and teams as well and we all know the anthems are a central part of the experience of the fans, the players and the teams so we have definitely understood that feedback," tournament director Michel Poussau said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

"We understand that it hasn't worked as well as we hoped, which is why we are now working in partnership with France 2023 and our unions at new versions, which we hope will combine the best of both worlds. Basically where we can have anthems that will be closer to expectations from all, but will still have that touch from the kids who have been amazing and have been working very hard and deserve to be part of the anthems.

"That is what we have been working [on] and hopefully the new version will be approved by all unions."

Chaotic scenes

Poussau is confident early teething problems with fans gaining access to stadiums have been ironed out heading into the second weekend of the tournament.

There were chaotic scenes outside the Stade Velodrome in Marseille before England's match