15 FEBRUARY 1997, Page 23

In praise of Oti

Sir: Christian Hesketh (Rugby, 8 February) was puzzled as to why the Twickenham crowd sang 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' as opposed to 'God Save the Queen' during the game.

I will refresh her memory. This dates back to when Chris Oti was playing for England on the left wing. He played a superlative game and was a try-scorer. The totally benign and appreciative crowd had seldom seen a black man on the sacred turf and spontaneously broke into this hymn of salute. The habit has stuck.

To quote the famous Welsh lyricist Max Boyce, 'I know 'cos I was there.'

Paddy Cullinan

18 Berkeley Vale, Falmouth, Cornwall