[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)
Soldier, run.B’z
This song became a hot topic as the theme for the Lipovitan D commercial and as a support song for Japan’s national rugby team.
Many people have probably heard it on TV.
The lyrics portray a figure striving to climb ever higher, and Inaba’s powerful, squeezed-out vocals together with Matsumoto’s emotional guitar stir the spirit.
24karats GOLD SOULEXILE
An emotional, upbeat tune.
This is the 46th single released in 2015 by the dance-vocal group EXILE.
It sings about the greatness of giving your all to pursue your goals.
Many of you may remember it as the image song for Nippon TV’s Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage.
Scarred ChampionMISIA & Rockon Social Club
The NHK rugby theme song for 2023.
It’s a collaboration between singer MISIA and the rock band Rockon Social Club.
Both have powerful vocals, and when combined, they create an unprecedented sense of impact.
The shouted parts in the latter half are especially overwhelming.
The message, which seems to inspire players in tough situations, is another highlight.
[Rugby Songs] A Comprehensive Showcase From Official Tournament Anthems to Drama Theme Songs! (11–20)
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.
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’.
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.
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!