1. Search for a Lions Anthem
British Lions Summer tour of New Zealand 2005
Search for a Lions Anthem

3. Method Selection of songs
As testing was to be done at the London Irish rugby club, songs that the home crowd typically sing were selected: The fields of Athenry.
We also selected songs that have motivational effects, but not necessarily for London Irish (Jerusalem: an English rugby song) and the New Zealand’s (Haka).
The de-motivational song was ‘Pokarekare’, sung in Maori.  

5. Summary of tests

12. Summary

13. Focus group results
Data were analysed by grouping responses into themes. Four themes emerged:
Theme 1: Awareness of the crowd;
Theme 2: Ideal Crowd conditions;
Theme 3: Personal factors related to performing in front of a large crowd;
Theme 4: Responses to hostile crowd.
Theme 5: Music preferences

14. Recommendations
Based on the results of both studies the following recommendations appear important to selecting a crowd song.
A strong rhythm
Loud volume
A clear affiliation with the team.
Crowd singing is particularly important during the warm-up, breaks in play, towards the end of the game and to counter home crowd singing (at away games).