1
'It's making people aware of things, aware of its past, and that's always for the better' - Robshaw supports Swing Low, Sweet Chariot review
Former England captain Chris Robshaw has backed the Rugby Football Union’s review of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. The RFU is looking into the historical context of the Twickenham staple song, given ongoing focus amid Black Lives Matter protests.
ADVERTISEMENT
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said fans should not be banned from singing a song believed to have roots in American slavery.
Harlequins flanker Robshaw has admitted he was not aware of the song’s history, and insisted the RFU is right to examine its past.
“In all honesty I didn’t know the history of it,” he said.
“And I think it’s making people aware of things, aware of its past, and that’s always for the better.
“In terms of what’s going on, I’m fully supportive of the movement (Black Lives Matter).”
Robshaw will leave his sole club Quins and join Major League outfit San Diego in January 2021, with the American league season’s start date allowing him a farewell at The Stoop.
The coronavirus shutdown will see many players depart clubs without a traditional send-off, leaving the 34-year-old feeling fortunate to avoid that limbo.
While Premiership Rugby, clubs and players are all at tense loggerheads over the financial response to the pandemic, the timing of Robshaw’s move has kept him out of the firing line.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I’m pretty pleased I’m going Stateside that’s all I can say!” Robshaw said.
“I’m one of the lucky ones. There’s a lot of people at clubs who won’t get the chance to wear their club shirts again.
“Because my season where I’m going next won’t start until January, that gives me a window.
The young back-row forward has been in demand following a number of eye-catching performances this season, but his new deal will see him remain at Worcester for the next four seasons. pic.twitter.com/1IdoGR2cSe
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 22, 2020
“But of course if I’d gone to France or Japan, I might not have had that little bit of closure.
“Even though there won’t be crowds there, it’s allowing me that chance to finish that chapter of my life.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Moving to America, there was still a good opportunity for me to venture abroad, myself and my wife have always wanted that chance, to have a new climate and environment.
“I’m born and raised in London, it’s all I’ve ever known and I’ve only ever played for Harlequins.
A bad day for the Greatest Rugby Company in the Whole Wide World as SA Rugby steps in to save the Kings.https://t.co/3xB3L8tzXE
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 22, 2020
“And I’m sure at some point in the future we’ll come back this way. But while I can have the opportunity and while rugby can allow us that vehicle to try something new, why not?
“Finance hasn’t come into it. I’ve never made decisions in my career based on money.
“I wanted to try a new league, it’s new, it’s raw, there’s a bit of excitement to the unknown quantity.
“And it’s a completely different lifestyle. If I was going to leave one of the best cities in the world, southern California isn’t a bad place to go and live.
“I’ve been told to get the surfboard ready, so it will be a little different from Wandsworth, and the hustle and bustle of the Tube.”
Comments on RugbyPass
You doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
5 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
5 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
5 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
5 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
5 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to comments