‘IT’S TIME TO FOCUS ON REAL ISSUES’

Twickenham and I sing that song. It’s so entrenched in rugby folklore that to try to separate it now would be like trying to separate African American people from America because of slavery. It’s not going to work.

“The real issue is not about a song, it’s about the fact that of the 55 people on the RFU Council, only one of them is black.

“While they are taking pause, the RFU need to look at true diversity and inclusion within their organisation and within their decision-makers. That is the more challenging thing which needs to change.”

Ex-England women’s international Maggie Alphonsi – the one black member of the council – does not support a ban either but hopes the song will disappear over time when fans know more about its origins.

“I don’t think you can ban a song. What you would get is resistance,” said Alphonsi, above. “But I don’t feel comfortable singing it. I wouldn’t sing it any more.

“And I hope when people find out the origins behind it they would also not feel comfortable singing it.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should focus less on symbols and more on the substance of racism, adding that he saw no reason for any ban on the song.

“Frankly I think what people need to do is focus less on the symbols of discrimination, all these issues that people are now raising to do with statues and songs and so on – I can see why they’re very emotive, I understand that,” said Johnson. Asked about Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, he added: “I certainly don’t think there should be any sort of prohibition on singing that.”

He said he was curious about why so few people knew all of the words of the song.