Alternative.

One of the biggest talking points to come out of round one of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France was the delivery of each nation’s anthems before each fixture.

Tournament hosts France have decided to use children’s choirs to sing each nation’s anthem and while it is a lovely idea to get them involved – it has been met with quite a mixed reaction from fans.

Due to the children singing the anthem slightly different in their style – it’s been rather difficult for fans and players in the stadium to sing along to their anthem, as they are used to the traditional format.

Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll called the anthems “terrible” and feels like they have been “butchered” by the choir.

“The anthems have been terrible! The two big anthems, if we are honest, are La Marseillaise and the Italian national anthem,” O’Driscoll told Off The Ball.

“Both of them feel like they’ve been butchered. There is no opportunity for everyone to get in behind it.”

Some have gone as far as calling the anthems an “abomination” and it appears organisers have been forced to react, with reports coming out that they will now give countries an option for their anthem to be played the traditional way.

Conflicting reports, however, state that the choirs will remain, with The Guardian stating that there are “no plans” to change the anthems.

What do you think? Would prefer your nation’s anthem the traditional way or do you like the choir?

UPDATE: Rugby World Cup officials have confirmed that the choir versions of the national anthems will be changed for the rest of the tournament.