Trinity Boys Choir sings at France’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Welcome Ceremony

13 Oct 2015

Trinity Boys Choir of Trinity School in Croydon (South London) gave a rousing rendition of World in Union at France’s Rugby World Cup 2015 Welcome Ceremony held in the spectacular setting of The Painted Hall in the historic Old Royal Navy College, Greenwich, on September 14th.

Trinity Boys Choir was one of 22 selected from England and Wales to welcome teams to Rugby World Cup 2015. It was a particularly fitting choice as Trinity School has been chosen by France to be one of their Team Bases during the Tournament.

The 30 Trinity boys aged 11-14 had the honour of performing the Rugby World Cup anthem to the French squad in front of an audience including the French Ambassador, figures from World Rugby, England Rugby 2015 and the RFU, as well as the player’s families and the local community.

Speaking during the ceremony, Philippe Saint-André praised the quality of the facilities at their Trinity School Team Base, and in particular the pitch, saying it was better than the Stade de France. Later in the evening, Trinity Headmaster Mark Bishop, speaking as senior representative of the Team Base, extended a warm welcome to the French team.

Trinity School’s Director of Music, David Swinson commented after the ceremony: “Boys at Trinity School love both music and sport and our choir was delighted to be able to share their love of singing with the French National Rugby Team. It was an honour to have been chosen.”

Trinity pupil and chorister Jérémie de Rijk (aged 12) said: “I was at my school on Sunday to welcome the French team and it made me feel really proud to sing for them as well, especially as I am half French.”

 

Photo (Getty Images 2015): Trinity Boys Choir sing World in Union at France’s RWC 2015 Welcome Ceremony in Greenwich with Sebastian Exall (aged 12) singing first solo.