England rugby fans could soon be banned from singing 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' at matches, because of its links to slavery.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced it's reviewing the "historical context" of the song, amid concerns it is inappropriate.
The song has been an English rugby anthem since the late 1980s, with fans belting it out during international matches in England or around the world.
But the recent 'Black Lives Matter' protests, which included the toppling of a statue of a slave trader in Bristol, have led many British organisations to examine their own historic links to slavery, with the RFU no exception.
"We need to do more to achieve diversity," an RFU spokesperson has told The Guardian. "And we are determined to accelerate change and grow awareness.
"The 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' song has long been part of the culture of rugby, and is sung by many who have no awareness of its origins or its sensitivities.
"We are reviewing its historical context and our role in educating fans to make informed decisions."
The song was written by Wallace Willis, who was a black slave in the American South during the 19th century.
The first known use of the song at England rugby matches was in 1987, when Martin 'Chariots' Offiah played in the Middlesex Sevens tournament. Then it reappeared the following year, when black wing Chris Oti scored a hat-trick against Ireland.
During an interview with the BBC, England lock Maro Itoje recently described the background of the song as "complicated".
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has vowed to increase diversity in the organisation, saying: "We have undertaken some very good initiatives at the grassroots level to encourage more diverse participation, however, that in itself is not enough.
"We need to do more to achieve diversity across all areas of the game including administration."
