The specific lyrics for the rugby anthem were written by Charlie Skarbek in 1991.
The song utilizes "Thaxted," the stately and emotional theme from the middle section of "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity". This famous orchestral movement was composed by Gustav Holst as part of his suite The Planets . Holst also used this exact melody for the British patriotic hymn, "I Vow to Thee, My Country." World In Union
The song was commissioned by the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1991. It is performed at the opening ceremony of every tournament, usually recorded by a high-profile artist from the host nation: Host Nation Featured Artist(s) United Kingdom / Europe Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (New Zealand soprano) 1995 South Africa PJ Powers & Ladysmith Black Mambazo 1999 Shirley Bassey & Bryn Terfel 2003 United Colours of Sound 2007 All Angels 2011 New Zealand Hayley Westenra 2015 Paloma Faith 2019 Kiyoe Yoshioka 🤝 Cultural Impact The specific lyrics for the rugby anthem were