Wallabies players have sung the Australian national anthem in both Eora language and English ahead of the Tri Nations Test against Argentina at the Western Sydney Stadium.
Key points:
- Singer Olivia Fox performed the rendition in Eora
- It is the first time the anthem has been sung in a First Nations language before a Wallabies Test
- The Wallabies wore their First Nations jerseys against Argentina
It is the first time the anthem has been performed in a First Nations language before a Wallabies Test.
Wiradjuri woman Olivia Fox, from the Newtown Performing Arts School, led the rendition in Eora language.
The Wallabies players joined Ms Fox in singing the anthem in Eora language during the traditional pre-match ceremonies.
Advance Australia Fair was then performed in English.
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The decision to sing the anthem in Eora drew widespread praise on Twitter.
Samoa international Paul Alo-Emile, who represented Australia at the under 20 level, welcomed the move.
“How great was that!,” Alo-Emile tweeted.
“Listening to the Aussie anthem being sung in the Eora language of the Gadigal people. Inspiring stuff, well done.”
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Australian Paralympic gold medallist Richard Colman described the moment as “incredible”.
“As an athlete, every time the Australian anthem is performed it should be done this way,” Colman tweeted.
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Syndey-based Jamie Pandaram rugby journalist said singing the anthem in a First Nations language was “a great step forward”.
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The Wallabies wore the First Nations jersey for the Test against the Pumas, which will close out the Tri Nations tournament.
