“You should hang your head in shame”: Rugby fans fume and players laugh at Eurovision star’s shred guitar national anthem
Before kick off at the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, rugby fans were treated to an electric guitar shred version of God Save the King from Eurovision star Sam Ryder. But his performance his drawn a less-than-ideal response from fans and players alike.
Footage shared online shows Ryder stepping to the podium with an Ibanez DT155 Destroyer in hand, before letting loose with some soaring leads as those in attendance attempted to sing along.
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In the clip, players from both Bath and Leicester look to be grimacing slightly as Ryder plays his solo, and fans have since taken to social media to share their not-so-savoury opinions… Watch below:
A special rendition of the National Anthem, performed by Sam Ryder #GallagherPremFinal
Posted by Premiership Rugby on Saturday, June 14, 2025
As ITV commentator Alastair Eykyn put it lightly: “It’s the national anthem, but not as we know it.” One perturbed – and slightly more opinionated viewer exclaims on X: “No, just no and especially not on the King’s official birthday!”
Another writes simply: “You should hang your head in shame.”
As another rugby fan observed, England rugby retiree Dan Cole’s face apparently “[said] it all”. The Rugby Inside Line account shared the view that: “This national anthem for the Prem Final is very American isn’t it… interesting.” Similar remarks were made by fans saying they thought Ryder’s dramatic appearance were “American antics”, perhaps more suited to the Super Bowl.
This national anthem for the Prem Final is very American isn’t it…
Interesting.
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) June 14, 2025
Some have jumped to Sam Ryder’s defence though, with one fan writing: “Everyone knocking this is mad! Did you want some operatically trained singer doing it for the millionth time? It was cool to have it on guitar.” Another noted: “I bet if it had been Brian May playing this it would have been labeled incredible!”
Indeed, Brian May did perform God Save the Queen at Queen Elizabeth II’s behest during her 2002 Golden Jubilee celebration. Remind yourself of that below:
It’s not the first time that Ryder has covered the national anthem, however. Back in 2022, he covered God Save the Queen during the Lenovo F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at the Silverstone International Circuit.
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