The reason why Rory Best doesn’t sing the Irish anthems. – Huge Rugby News

Rory Best is Ireland’s most successful captain. Fact.

A Grand Slam title, a Triple Crown, a first Test win in South Africa and leading Ireland to their only two victories against New Zealand: Best has amassed a glittering CV since succeeding Paul O’Connell as Ireland skipper three years ago.

The unassuming Ulster hooker will be 37 before the start of the Rugby World Cup this year in Japan but he remains fixated on adding more accolades to his legacy in what is likely to be his final season with Ireland.

While no one can question Best’s pride or passion for the green jersey (the man played with a broken arm against the All Blacks back in 2013)

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One question of Rory Best is asked time and time again. Why does he not sing the anthems?

When Ireland play at home in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin they have 2 Anthems. Amhrán na bhFiann and Irelands Call. Best doesn’t sing either.

Tweets like these are common on match day.

As a proud Ulsterman it’s understandable why he or his Northern counterparts do not sing Amhrán na bhFiann but Best’s reason for not singing Ireland’s Call was revealed by Joe Schmidt.

“I think by the time you get that close to the game Jamie Heaslip, Bestie, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, experienced guys like Rob Kearney at the back, Keith Earls, they have all been here before, they seem to have a pretty good idea of what level they need to get to here and that influences the players around them.

“Rory is a really good example. He said he doesn’t sing the anthems because he knows it would, emotionally, heighten his emotions, probably beyond the level he feels is best for him to be in control.

“He kinda self-regulates and in the end most players self-regulate really well, so you just don’t want to get in their way, they are experienced athletes and they also have a ripple effect on the team so you let them ripple in. They are calm, concentrated, highly-motivated in their demeanour, you hope that the ripples through.”

While many are critical of Best, former England Captain Will Carling thinks it’s brilliant!

Another bug-bearer for many Tweeters is ‘chewing gum’ during the anthems.

Again, the reason for chewing gum before games is for performance. Many professional athletes will chew ‘caffeine gum’ right up until kick off to give them that added edge come kick off.