World in Union (song)

"World in Union", with lyrics by Charlie Skarbek, is a theme song for the Rugby (Union) World Cup which attempts to capture the spirit of international friendship which pervades rugby union culture the world over.

The tune is taken from Jupiter, a section of Gustav Holst’s Planets Suite, and was originally adapted by Holst for its use in the English / Anglican patriotic hymn, “I Vow To Thee My Country”.

The song was commissioned by the International Rugby Board (at that time the International Rugby Football Board), the sport's governing body, in 1991 and it has now become synonymous with the 'gathering of the nations' that the four-yearly tournament represents.

Welsh singer Rhydian Roberts sang the song in Week 16 of The X Factor (he later ended up as runner-up in the competition).

Recording history

The song has been sung by famous artists at a number of the opening ceremonies of Rugby World Cup tournaments (and subsequently released as singles):

* 1991 — Kiri Te Kanawa in England
* 1995 — Ladysmith Black Mambazo and PJ Powers in South Africa
* 1999 — Shirley Bassey and Bryn Terfel in Wales
* 2003 — United Colours of Sound in Australia
* 2007 — All Stars in France

A number of interpretations of the song have been recorded, sometimes with small variations to the lyrics.

External links

* [http://www.classicfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=480342&spid=9448 2007 All-Star version of the song] , featuring singers from the major rugby-playing nations including New Zealander Hayley Westenra, Italian Roberto Alagna, Welsh singers Katherine Jenkins, Elin Manahan Thomas, Aled Jones and Bryn Terfel, English singers Lesley Garrett and Jonathan Ansell, and the British group All Angels.