Friday 13th June 08

A specially recorded England team anthem for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup has been produced. 

The rousing and inspiring song titled ‘Hearts of England’ has been performed by leading classical tenor Jonathan Ansell.  It has been produced by Universal Music in partnership with the RFL.

Its lyrics capture the traditions and heartlands of Rugby League in this country as well as evoking the heroism and commitment of international teams competing on the world sporting stage.

‘Hearts of England’ was written and recorded in London earlier this year and will be released later this season at a time to be confirmed in due course.

Jonathan Ansell shot to fame as the front man of the pop-opera group G4 on TV’s X Factor show and is now set to enjoy huge solo success after signing a £1 million five album deal - also with Universal.

Commenting on the new official England Rugby League team World Cup anthem, the RFL’s Marketing Manager Phil Williams said: “We believe ‘Hearts of England’ is a tremendous piece of music which will quickly become synonymous with the England Rugby League team. 

“We feel it captures the excitement and passion associated with international Rugby League and will also be a great promotional tool for the sport as we work to get the English nation behind the team in the  the lead-up to forthcoming World Cup tournament.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with both Jonathan Ansell and Universal Music on this exciting project.”

Williams added: “We believe supporters and music lovers will be genuinely captivated by ‘Hearts of England and we look forward to announcing our exciting plans for the release the song later this year.”

Jonathan Ansell also commented on his involvement in the project. He said: “Hearts of England is an uplifting anthem that I am proud to have recorded for the Rugby League World Cup.

“It’s fantastic to be involved with Rugby League at this historic moment in its history, and I can’t wait to get singing on the pitch before matches.”

The England Rugby League team’s official World Cup anthem ‘Hearts of England’ will be available as a download later this year. The release date and full details of how to obtain it will be available in due course.

Jonathan Ansell is currently preparing to head into the studio to record his second solo album.  His first album ‘Tenor at the Movies’ went into the top 10 of the pop charts and topped the classical charts.

The tenor was brought up in Bognor Regis where both his parents were school teachers, and influenced by his mother's tapes of Pavarotti and the Three Tenors. He joined the West Sussex Boys Choir at the age of eight and also learned to play the violin and trumpet.

The England team play in the opening game of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup against Papua New Guinea in Townsville, North Queensland on Saturday 25 October.

http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=10800

This is the bit I like!!

“It’s fantastic to be involved with Rugby League at this historic moment in its history, and I can’t wait to get singing on the pitch before matches.”

The England Rugby League team’s official World Cup anthem ‘Hearts of England’ will be available as a download later this year. The release date and full details of how to obtain it will be available in due course.

Hope this will be televised!

 That's fantastic news!

Oh, and Jonathan and men in short shorts?!?! Sounds like something I'll want to watch 

RAH:

Oh, and Jonathan and men in short shorts?!?! Sounds like something I'll want to watch 

Can't think why!!

What a fantastic opportunity to get known world wide and what a privilege to be asked to do it. Nice one Jonathan!!

EDIT - Just realised that the opening game is in Australia!! Performing abroad at last!! YAY!!

Brilliant find Marian, what great news ,such an honour,I bet Jonathan is chuffed to bits about this,cant wait to hear it,

Jonfan

Great find Miss Marple

Looks like I'll be following rugby again then

The opening match is the Saturday before the tour starts so I would assume he will not be singing at all the matches!

This is great news - looks like I'll have to develop a sudden interest in rugby again!

Not wanting to put a damper on things, but I think it's unlikely he'll be singing this at the World Cup itself, as it's just the England song, not the official World Cup song, plus it's asking a bit much for him to go all the way to Oz to perform, when he's got a long tour to start a week later!!  More likely I think that it will be used to promote England's involvement in the competition, and get support behind them - should still get a good airing though!

There is an international between England and France in Toulouse on 27th June - wonder if he'll turn up there?    

That's what I was thinking Willowy...how's Jon going to fit it all in with the tour.

He's very resilient being young , to travelling all over the place and performing, but I'm worrying already about jetlag and finalising the tour arrangements.

However I'm delighted that Jon has got the pleasure of recording the song...not a rugby fan myself but might find myself tuning in .....this will definitely make my DH faint !

Looking forward to hearing it now.

Willowy:

There is an international between England and France in Toulouse on 27th June - wonder if he'll turn up there?    

Hmm, could be Willowy, perhaps this is what Jonathan is talking about when he said  ".....and I can’t wait to get singing on the pitch before matches.” instead of the world cup itself

Madwoman:

Willowy:

There is an international between England and France in Toulouse on 27th June - wonder if he'll turn up there?    

Hmm, could be Willowy, perhaps this is what Jonathan is talking about when he said  ".....and I can’t wait to get singing on the pitch before matches.” instead of the world cup itself

I think it probably is - I know he's got bags of energy, but even Jonathan would struggle with getting to Australia and back in the middle of a tour!

There are various SuperLeague events over the summer that he may well turn up at to help promote the World Cup - a spot of anthem singing at the Challenge Cup final perhaps?

Link 

Good news for Jon there..so glad he's getting a lot of publicity over this will sure boost his profile up a bit too!!

What a fantastic news! and a great oppotunity for Jonathan!

This time, he is not in the chorus, but on his own! All focus is just on our Jonathan! and he is singing original, at last!!! (wonder if the tune comes from ab existing song?)

I know very little about Rugby or Football, and am often confused two of them .

However, I am liking it is Rugby rather than Football .

Very exciting -great news ..I think the way Jonathan is quoted he must be planning to sing at a few or more matches -lets just hope he gets to sing at at least one of Englands World Cup matches as well as some domestic games .The World Cup will be on Sky Sports so we'll have to keep a look out .Hope this site will keep us in the loop about any domestic games Jonathan will be singing at also -bbc radio might have some coverage also maybe?