To start the weekend ahead of the Round 3 matches of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, rugby fans and guests staying at voco St David’s Cardiff (part of IHG Hotels & Resorts) were treated to a surprise performance of the Welsh and Ireland Calls national anthems this morning.
Organised by IHG Hotels & Resorts, the Official Hotel Partner of the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, The Guinness Choir went head-to-head with the Cardiff Ardwyn Singers(Cantorion Ardwyn Caerdydd) to get fans pumped ahead of the game in Cardiff this afternoon.
Ciarán Kelly, Music Director of The Guinness Choir said: “To surprise the hotel guests with a taste of home in Cardiff before the big match was an absolute thrill, and it was great to see the passion and pride of fans, united by the sound of Ireland’s Call. To be able to perform in the hotel in which the Irish Team were staying made the occasion especially memorable.”
David Leggett, Musical Director of the Cardiff Ardwyn Singers added: “”With excitement already buzzing for the game, what a great way to kick off a match day in Cardiff! Cantorion Ardwyn is a Cardiff-based choir, so to welcome guests here – many of whom are Welsh supporters – with a rousing rendition of the national anthem felt incredibly fitting. The shared sense of national pride, emulated by Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, is what makes these occasions so memorable and it’s a privilege to contribute to the match-day magic and “hwyl” here in our city.”
Elsewhere in the UK, singer, songwriter, and actress Pixie Lott and Scottish singer and songwriter Tom Walker pitched up at the Holiday Inn – Brentford Lock to galvanise support for their home nations ahead of the clash at Twickenham this afternoon. Battling it out at the hotel lobby, guests were treated to a surprise performance of the English and Scottish national anthems performed by Pixie and Tom respectively.
The surprise performance follows research commissioned by the hotel group, revealing the importance of pre-match rituals like the national anthem for fans and athletes alike. Despite their conflicting allegiances, rugby fans from each nation were united in the belief that national anthems are an iconic part of international rugby, with three quarters (75%) going so far as to say they are the most important pre-match ritual.
85% of those polled also say the national anthem helps foster a sense of unity among fans, while 81% report it makes them feel more patriotic and over half (55%) believe it even makes a difference to their teams’ performance.
The survey also revealed over a third (38%) of rugby fans learnt the national anthem through watching international rugby, with 7 in 10 claiming to have learnt it by the time they were 18.
Karin Sheppard, SVP & Managing Director, Europe, at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Surprising and delighting every guest that walks through our doors at IHG Hotels & Resorts is at the heart of who we are as a global hospitality company; it is all about creating unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression. What better way to get guests in the mood for the excitement of watching their team in action than by hearing their national anthem being performed in our lobbies before they head to the games.
“We’re delighted to enter our second year as the Official Hotel Partner of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, and to deliver truly memorable moments to our IHG One Rewards members as they experience the action once again.”
Across the competing nations, Scots were revealed to be the most retentive fanbase, with 71% claiming to know the words to other teams’ national anthems, whilst 42% don’t know any other anthems apart from their own. Of all the anthems, The Flower of Scotland proved to be the most popular amongst rival rugby fans.
The partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Six Nations Rugby, puts fans and IHG One Rewards members at the heart of the action, by offering once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences throughout the Men’s and Women’s Championships. These experiences include behind the scenes stadium tours, pitch side experiences, match tickets and hotel packages, and a chance to watch team’s train. Loyalty members can turn their rewards into VIP experiences with all IHG’s sports partners throughout the year by bidding to redeem them on IHG One Rewards Access.
