Once again the Rugby World Cup is upon us. With great rugby comes an amazing soundtrack. The World in Union was first recorded for the 1991 Rugby World Cup by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. This Song is represents everything that is good about our beloved sport; unity, diversity, collaboration, shared vision and purpose. The beauty of this song still brings a tear to my eye. Give it a listen!

“World In Union”

There’s a dream, I feel
So rare, so real
All the world in union
The world as one

Gathering together
One mind, one heart
Every creed, every color
Once joined, never apart

Searching for the best in me
I will fight what I can beat
If I win, lose or draw
There’s a winner in us all

It’s the world in union
The world as one
As we climb to reach our destiny
A new age has begun

We face high mountains
Must cross rough seas
We must take our place in history
And live with dignity

Just to be the best I can
Sets the goal for every man
If I win, lose or draw
It’s a victory for all

This version has a special place in our hearts as it was written across the backdrop of decades of apartheid, and by bringing together both Western and African musical styles, the meta-narrative of this version perfectly aligns with the lyrics. Snap!

World Rugby has 5 core values one of which is;

Solidarity
Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to life-long friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences.

At all levels, Rugby is a game designed to bring people together. From the words of World in Union Gathering together, one mind, one heart, every creed, every color, once joined, never apart. Imagine the unity that could come through Rugby. It seams as though World peace could be possible if only we could all embrace Rugby.

Striving for unity is nothing new, and has been attempted for millennia. Different time, different place, same old story.

Thousands of years ago a group of people sought to unify through a common purpose. They were of one mind, one heart. They wanted to build a tower to reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. The only problem was they were working against God. The builders of what we now call the “Tower of Babel” are infamous for uniting around the wrong cause. Or more specifically, trying to unite together without God in the picture. Genesis 11 shows us the dangers of excluding God from our purpose, our journey and our lives.

Whilst Rugby has a special place in my heart, and the next 6 weeks will be a small picture of heaven on earth; without God in the picture it’s a road to nowhere.