Rugby World Cup fans sign petition to stop ITV playing Paloma Faith song on coverage

The singer covers the classic Rugby World Cup theme song World In Union

Paloma Faith has recorded a version of World In Union (Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)

Rugby fans are campaigning to stop ITV playing Paloma Faith’s version of Rugby World Cup theme song, World In Union.

The petition, which has acquired almost 7,000 signatures, asks ITV to “remove Paloma Faith from the Rugby World Cup in order to make it a more enjoyable experience for all spectators.”

The petition was started by Jonathan Wilson, 24, who told the Press Association: “The petition isn’t taking issue with Paloma herself - in fact, I’d never even heard any of her music before last week.”

“What we’re petitioning against is ITV’s decision to use the song in their coverage, and the regularity with which it is forced upon our gentle ears.”

World in Union, which is traditionally the theme song for the sporting event, has previously been recorded by Dame Shirley Bassey, Russell Watson and Katherine Jenkins.

Faith’s version of the song has attracted some criticism on social media. One user commented on the petition’s Facebook page: “I quite like Paloma Faith but her rendition of this song is excruciating and is not made any better by blasting out one line of the song at every commercial break.”

However, some have defended the song, with a user writing on Twitter: “Well I absolutely love the ‘World In Union’ song sung by Paloma Faith, it just works and feels magic.”

Faith, who has been confirmed as a new judge on The Voice, told BBC Newsbeat: “Some people are slating it, I feel like they don’t like change, but I don’t mind.”

“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.”

A spokesperson for ITV said: “We are happy with Paloma’s rendition.”

When contacted by The Independent, a representative for Ms Faith declined to comment.