Many years ago, an old thameside pub at Wapping, "The Prospect of Whitby" used to be noted for the singing of rugby songs. They had a small instrumental group (I think they were Polynesian) who played electric Guitars, Mandolins etc. The band didn't actually sing, they just played tunes like "The Ash Grove", "Eton Boating Song", "My Bonny Lies over the Ocean" and many others which had "Rugby Song Lyrics". The Pub was always packed with people of both sexes singing the songs - various people would start a verse and the rest would join in.

On a Saturday night there were often many genuine rugby players whose clubs didn't have a bar coming along after a match. The atmosphere was fantastic - and the singing was great - I wish we could get many folk club audiences to join in choruses with the same enthusiasm. They were great nights. It was impossible to find a parking space anywhere near the pub, and local urchins would offer to "Keep an eye on your car for 'alf a crown, Mister".

Incidently, hanging over the corner where the band played, was a sign which read "The singing of songs with obscene words is expressly prohibited". Somehow I think it was meant to be a joke.