[Rugby Songs] A comprehensive introduction from official tournament theme songs to drama theme tracks!
Have you ever felt your heart swell when you hear the rousing chants echo through the stadium while watching a rugby match in person or on TV? At tournaments like the World Cup, the official theme songs that unite the venue become etched in memory alongside the players’ heroic performances.
In this article, we introduce the anthems and official songs that have colored rugby matches over the years.
Some tracks are deeply connected to rugby, such as drama theme songs that feature the sport.
Each song is sure to rekindle that excitement—so be sure to check them out as the perfect companion for your next match viewing.
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[Rugby Songs] A comprehensive roundup from official tournament theme songs to drama theme tracks! (1–10)
Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION
An energetic song that makes you want to clap along as you listen.
It’s a collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION, known as the wolf band, and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Released in 2018 as MAN WITH A MISSION’s fourth single, it was also selected as the official 2018 theme song for the rugby team Sunwolves.
Take me the topONE OK ROCK
It’s a heavy, loud guitar rock track.
It’s included on the seventh album by the rock band ONE OK ROCK, which is especially popular among younger generations, released in 2015 and titled “35xxxv.” It was chosen as the broadcast theme song for NHK’s Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage.
World in unionSoweto Gospel Choir
When it comes to globally famous rugby songs, this one stands out.
It is based on Gustav Holst’s suite The Planets.
Although the lyrics are different, in Japan it’s well known as Ayaka Hirahara’s Jupiter.
It is beloved as the theme song of the Rugby World Cup.
[Rugby Songs] A Comprehensive Showcase From Official Tournament Anthems to Drama Theme Songs! (11–20)
No-sideMatsutōya Yumi
When people think of rugby fight songs, many will immediately think of this one.
It’s the title track of singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya’s 16th album, “NO SIDE,” released in 1984.
The song expresses the feelings that arise after a rugby match ends.
Her warm vocals are truly moving.
It’s also famous for having been covered by numerous artists.
Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi
A song by Kenshi Yonezu released in 2019.
It was created as the theme song for the rugby-themed drama “No Side Game,” and drew attention through tie-ins with various projects, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The strength to face adversity and the desire to protect what’s important resonate in the heart alongside Yonezu’s powerful yet heartrending vocals.
Listening to it before watching a rugby match is sure to ignite your fighting spirit along with the players’.
The Days I Kept RunningKetsumeishi
This is a song specially written by Ketsumeishi as the theme for the 2021 National High School Rugby Tournament.
Over a fast-paced, driving sound, it celebrates the greatness of persevering toward one’s dreams.
It’s also interesting how the lyrics weave in words that evoke rugby.
Be sure to check out the music video too, which uniquely synchronizes the song with live commentary!
Blown by the windAqua Timez
This is the theme song for the 90th National High School Rugby Football Tournament.
It is included on “Midnight Orchestra,” the 13th single released in 2011 by Aqua Timez, a rock band from Tokyo.
The song, which sings about the importance of living true to yourself, was originally created for a child who was undergoing a difficult surgery.