Varsity Chants: What’s that coming over the hill?

Terrace talk: A healthy crowd turned out to enjoy the rugby first team matches at Canterbury Rugby Club. (Photograph: Daniel Barnby).

You’re standing metres from the try line, inches from the goalposts, ­­­­moments from victory, and then, in the distance, what’s that coming over the hill? “It’s unemployment!” someone yells. Then, “UNEMPLOYMENT”, as hundreds of spectators join in. “Yes Christchurch, we’re talking to you!” another jibes.

And you choke. You miss, in front of everyone.

It’s no secret that there has always been rivalry between Kent and CCCU but when it’s time for Varsity, everything gets a little bit, shall we say, vicious. Is it just our way of channelling our creative ability and lyrical genius or petty, pathetic and poor sportsmanship?

The chants range from the light hearted, “My Dad works for your Dad” to the more aggressive ‘F*** the Poly’ referring to CCCU’s former Polytechnic status. But what about Christ Church, what is their response to our taunts? Do they even have one?

Apparently, they are often heard singing, “I’d rather be a poly than a c***” but UKC have used their skills to turn the chant against them to, “I’d rather be a c*** than a poly”. The choice of words may be harsh – inappropriate even – but it is all meant, as far as I’m concerned, as a joke.

Though, it might not be exactly what parents expect to hear when they come to support their sons and daughters either.

There’s no doubt that some of the chanting can get quite personal and aggressive but it is just a natural part of sport, the typical way for the crowd to interact with the players and get involved.  Even if you don’t particularly understand the rules of the sport, supporting your team and cheering them on all adds to the atmosphere of a match. At Varsity, however, the cheering is usually aimed at the opposition, trying to distract them and taunt them about their education being less valued than ours.

Nevertheless, members of our very own rugby team have said that the chants do not put them off at all. In fact, one player highlighted that if you’re focusing on the chants then you’re not focusing on the game, so surely there’s no harm in some playful banter. It is just banter, after all, right?

How about this one?

“Give me an E”
“Give me an E”
“Give me another E”
“What have you got?”
“Into Christchurch!”

Canterbury Christ Church may not be at the top of the academic league tables at the moment, but that does not mean their students should be treated differently or that their education is poorer than ours. We’re still all students, doing the same thing. Surely, if someone truly believes what they are shouting, they are the lesser individual.

Varsity is the definition of rivalry, on the pitch with the players and off the pitch in the form of the chants. It is what we have come to expect every year, but it’s just harmless banter. Nothing more; nothing less.

So bring on Varsity MMXIV.