ITV Rugby World Cup 'needs new theme' as Paloma Faith 'is tone deaf'

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Singer's version of World In Union played during ITV tournament coverage
But fans have complained about her rendition of the rugby anthem
Now a petition has been set up calling for it to be replaced
Faith says rugby fans slating song 'don't like change, but I don't mind'

Published: 08:55 EST, 24 September 2015 | Updated: 10:38 EST, 24 September 2015

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The Rugby World Cup may have got fans' pulses racing but Paloma Faith's new version of World In Union has received a less enthusiastic reaction

The Rugby World Cup may have got fans' pulses racing but Paloma Faith's new version of World In Union has received a less enthusiastic reaction.

Since the singer's rendition of the tournament's anthem made its debut prior to England's game against Fiji, viewers have complained about the track - which is played during the opening credits and before ad breaks on ITV's coverage of games.

Now supporters have started a petition calling on the broadcaster to change its theme music, saying they are 'sick' of the track.

As the tournament kicked off last week, 34-year-old Faith was heavily criticised on social media with comments saying she 'murdered' the song and others saying their cat could have sung it better.

This has been followed with a campaign on change.org called 'Petition to remove Paloma Faith from the Rugby World Cup'.

The petition was was set up five days ago by someone who called 'No Paloma' - and so far has got nearly 200 supporters.

It says: 'Already sick of Paloma Faith's awful rendition of 'World In Union'? Worried that it might ruin your Rugby World Cup? Then sign this petition and let ITV know your thoughts!'

This is then followed by a letter to ITV sport which reads: 'We, the undersigned, request that you, ITV, remove Paloma Faith from the Rugby World Cup in order to make it a more enjoyable experience for all spectators.'

Even those that usually like the Stone Cold Sober singer say the track is 'awful'.

Mark Stocker, from Surrey, said: 'I'm fed up with having to hit the mute button every ad-break.'

And James Byrne from London commented: 'It is awful. Truly awful. And I like Paloma Faith...'

The one minute long theme tune which sees Paloma belt out the track in a glamourous white gown is even putting some supporters off watching the tournament.

The singer's rendition of the tournament's anthem made its debut prior to England's game against Fiji, but viewers have complained about the track

Now supporters have started a petition calling on the broadcaster to change its theme music, saying they are 'sick' of the track

Elizabeth Tremble, from London, said: 'It's awful, it really spoils the song and it's irritating in between the advert breaks. It actually makes me not want to watch the rugby.'

And Jessica Catchpole from Kent added: 'It sounds less like a professional singer and more like someone paid a bribe to let their tone deaf child be on the telly.'

John Boaden from Portsmouth wrote: 'Paloma Faith should not be representing the rugby World Cup. Wrong character with a voice that makes my ears bleed.'

Other comments include: 'She's murdered that song. it's embarrassing to have such a dreadful version of this classic song as your anthem to such a great event as the RWC.'

The track can be heard which is played during the opening credits and before ad breaks on ITV's coverage of games, fronted by John Inverdale (right)

Some viewers want the ITV team to ditch Faith's version of the song. Presenters of the coverage include (left to right) Jason Robinson, Sir Ian McGeechan, Gareth Thomas, John Inverdale, Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O'Driscoll Maggie Alphonsi and Lawrence Dallaglio

And John Nelson from Leicestershire said: 'There are far better singers to be had. Gonzalo Comacho's girlfriend sang in Leicester before the Argentina/Leicester game. She make the hair on my neck start to come up. Paloma Faith makes my breakfast start to come back.'

However, Faith has not let her rugby critics get to her, telling BBC Newsbeat that supporters, who have heard the song at every tournament since 1991, just didn't like change.

'Some people are slating it, I feel like they don't like change, but I don't mind,' she said.

'I mean I'm quite pleased with it, so that's all that matters really. I think they don't like it because it's being played too much.'

Viewers first heard Faith's rendition of World In Union prior to coverage of England's game against Fiji. Pictured is Mike Brown scoring England's first try

The song was performed at the opening ceremony by soprano Laura Wright, 25 (pictured)

The song, which was adapted from the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country, was commissioned in 1991 and has since become synonymous with the Rugby World Cup.

Since then it has been sung by artists including Kiri Te Kanawa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Shirley Bassey and Bryn Terfel and Hayley Westenra. It was performed at the opening ceremony by soprano Laura Wright, 25.

The theme tune will continue until October 31 when the World Cup ends - but for those who may have a change of heart and decide the song has grown on them it also features on the official album.

The Rugby World Cup 2015 album also includes Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Ella Eyre and tracks by Tom Jones and Only Men Aloud.