Emeli Sandé, Sarah Àlain Duet On 2019 Rugby World Cup Theme, ‘World In Union’

Two world class singers, Emeli Sandé and Sarah Àlainn, have united to record the 2019 Rugby World Cup anthem ‘World in Union’. Released on 20 September via Decca Records to coincide with the beginning of the tournament, the uplifting new single features on the opening credits of ITV’s exclusive coverage in the UK. You can check it out below.

BRIT Award-winning Scottish singer Sande lends her powerful vocals to the song, which has been recorded in a brand new version with Japanese-Australian singing sensation Sarah Àlainn. The track was unveiled ahead of the first game between Japan and Russia in Tokyo.

The duet will be heard throughout the tournament, which runs from Friday 20 September to Saturday 2 November, as nations from all across the globe compete for the Webb Ellis Cup. Visit the official website for further information about all the matches in the tournament.

The iconic song ‘World in Union’ was first performed by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, held in the UK. It was commissioned for the event and has been used as the ITV theme music for every Rugby World Cup since – each time with specially chosen international artists.

‘World In Union’s melody is based on the stately theme from ‘Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity’ from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite The Planets – perhaps better known for its use in the hymn ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’. 28 years on, ‘World In Union’ has become a beloved musical element of the Rugby World Cup, encapsulating the spirit and values of the game whilst at the same time providing an inspiring and emotive soundtrack to a thrilling global sporting event.

As uDiscover Music previously reported, Emeli Sandé released her much- anticipated third album Real Life, on 7 June on Virgin/EMI. The record represents a new sound for the globally-acclaimed artist, after a period of self-discovery that has resulted in a new defiant confidence for the 32-year-old English performer.

Sandé says that her vision for Real Life is to give people hope and confidence, “Especially people who have been marginalised, forgotten or kicked down by this invisible oppression that’s always there. I just want to give people this incredible superpower every time they play the album. Like a battery pack – by the end of the album they’re going to feel restored.”

Listen to the Best of Emeli Sandé on Apple Music and Spotify.

Format: UK English