Wales U20 defeated Ireland U20 in their Six Nations clash on Saturday evening, and while the score was 41-27 in favour of the hosts, the scoreline did not really reflect the competitiveness of the game and the effort put in by those in green, although it would be wrong to say that Wales did not fully deserve their win.
Before the game began, however, eyebrows were raised across Ireland as the Irish U20 players lined up to sing the 'athem' Ireland's call.
The song has proven to be divisive (to say the least) among Irish fans down the years, but this rendition, a particularly cheesy one containing what seems to be a slide-guitar and a lot of unnecessary 'ooh ahh' in the background, really rubbed supporters up the wrong way.
Yikes.
It did not go down well with Irish fans, and tweets soon emerged from those who had watched live and did not approve.
Well this version of Ireland's Call at #IRLvWAL U20 is the most pityful thing I've heard in a while. #COYBIG
— David Menzies (@david_menzies) March 11, 2017
What in the name fuck.. they are playing a smooth jazz remix version of Ireland's Call at the u20 rugby game. Tears.
— Click (@HD_CT) March 11, 2017
This u20's version of Ireland's Call makes the regular one sound somewhat satisfactory.
— Conor Mc (@conormcelh) March 11, 2017
Was that a tactical ploy to find the most cringey Ireland's Call version known to man. How can you play rugby after that? ? #WALvIRE #u20s
— Brian Fitzpatrick (@fitzwhy) March 11, 2017
We're sure we've heard it before, possibly at an U20 World Cup in recent years, but can't quite put our finger on it.
The issue of whether or not it should be played before games is one for another day, but it seems safe to say that if that version is never played before an international rugby match again then nobody will be upset.
Shocking stuff.
