Itoje says no to Swing Low

Star England lock Maro Itoje says he will no longer sing English rugby anthem Swing Low, Sweet Chariot because of its origins in American slavery. The song has been a trademark at England matches since 1987. However, itwas reviewed by the Rugby Football Union in 2020 after the Black LivesMatter movement. The RFU chose not to ban the song that has been credited toWallaceWillis, a 19th-century freed slave, but withdrewit from marketing and merchandise while sharing a video explaining its historical context. Itoje, 27, whowas born in London to Nigerian parents, has nowsaid he won’t sing it. ‘‘I’mnot going to tell people what they should or shouldn’t do but, personally, I won’t sing this song again,’’ he said.