The roar of the crowd, the crunching tackles, the breathtaking tries… rugby highlights are pure adrenaline. But what truly elevates those electrifying moments from good to unforgettable? The soundtrack, of course! Finding the best songs for rugby highlights can transform a simple replay into a cinematic masterpiece, perfectly capturing the raw energy and emotion of the game. Whether you're a seasoned editor crafting the perfect match montage or a fan reliving epic victories, the right music is crucial. This list dives deep into the anthems of triumph, the driving beats of resilience, and the powerful melodies that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of rugby. Get ready to discover the ultimate soundtrack for your next rugby highlights reel – songs guaranteed to ignite your passion and leave you wanting more. We’ll explore various genres and tempos to cater to every taste and highlight style, ensuring you find the perfect musical accompaniment for every thrilling moment.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Radioactive | Imagine Dragons | 2B+ | |
| 2. Thunderstruck | AC/DC | The Razors Edge | 1B+ |
| 3. Eye of the Tiger | Survivor | Working Class Dog | 1B+ |
| 4. Don't Stop Me Now | Queen | Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack) | 898M+ |
| 5. Pump It | The Black Eyed Peas | 872M+ | |
| 6. Enter Sandman | Metallica | Metallica (Remastered) | 668M+ |
| 7. We Will Rock You | Queen | News Of The World (2011 Remaster) | 612M+ |
1. Radioactive
Driving Beat: Radioactive's powerful, driving beat perfectly matches the energy and intensity of rugby highlights, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
Anthemic Quality: The soaring vocals and anthemic chorus evoke a feeling of triumph and collective achievement, ideal for celebrating key moments in a match.
Broad Appeal: Its blend of rock and electronic elements makes it accessible to a wide audience, ensuring a universally impactful soundtrack for your rugby highlights.
2. Thunderstruck (The Razors Edge)
Opening Power: Thunderstruck's iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable and aggressively powerful, perfectly setting a tone of relentless energy ideal for showcasing a powerful rugby play or match highlight.
Driving Rhythm: The song's relentless, driving rhythm mirrors the dynamism and physicality of rugby, creating a sense of unstoppable momentum that will amplify the excitement of any highlight reel.
Anthemic Quality: Its anthemic chorus and soaring vocals will inspire a feeling of triumph and victory, making it a perfect choice for celebrating decisive moments in the game.
3. Eye of the Tiger (1982)
Driving Rhythm: Eye of the Tiger's relentless, pounding beat perfectly matches the intensity and energy of a thrilling rugby match, especially during highlight reels showcasing powerful runs and crucial tackles.
Triumphant Vocals: Survivor's powerful vocals convey a sense of unwavering determination and victory, ideal for celebrating impressive team plays and come-from-behind wins.
Iconic Status: Its instantly recognizable melody and motivational lyrics create a powerful emotional resonance, making it a classic choice for amplifying the excitement of rugby highlights and leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
4. Don't Stop Me Now (Queen)
Upbeat Tempo: "Don't Stop Me Now" possesses an irresistible, relentlessly upbeat tempo that perfectly mirrors the energy and excitement of a thrilling rugby match.
Anthemic Quality: Its powerful vocals and soaring chorus create an anthemic feel, ideal for celebrating key moments and stirring up the crowd.
Uninhibited Energy: The song's uninhibited energy and celebratory mood make it a fantastic choice for capturing the raw power and passion of rugby highlights.
5. Pump It (The Black Eyed Peas)
Upbeat Tempo: Pump It's driving beat and relentless rhythm perfectly capture the frenetic energy and momentum of a thrilling rugby match, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Anthemic Quality: The song's powerful vocals and catchy chorus are ideal for building atmosphere and celebrating key moments, making it a natural choice for highlight reels.
High Energy: Its infectious energy makes it a great choice for showcasing powerful plays, fast-paced action, and overall exhilarating moments in a rugby highlights package.
6. Enter Sandman (1991)
Opening: The heavy, driving rhythm of "Enter Sandman" immediately grabs attention, mirroring the intensity and momentum of a rugby match.
Intensity & Build-up: The song's gradual build-up, from a quiet beginning to a powerful crescendo, perfectly complements the rising tension and excitement of key moments in a rugby highlights reel.
Impact: Its iconic guitar riff and powerful vocals create an undeniably epic feel, providing a soundtrack that emphasizes the dramatic highlights and leaves a lasting impression.
7. We Will Rock You
Driving Rhythm: We Will Rock You's iconic, stomping rhythm is perfectly synchronized with the powerful energy of rugby highlights, creating an immediate sense of excitement and anticipation.
Anthemic Vocals: Freddie Mercury's commanding vocals build to a crescendo, mirroring the dramatic build-up and explosive moments of a great rugby match.
Crowd Participation: The song's call-and-response structure naturally encourages audience participation, making it ideal for amplifying the atmosphere of a highlights reel and engaging viewers.
8. Stronger (Graduation)
Driving Beat: Stronger's powerful, relentless beat mirrors the energy and intensity of a thrilling rugby match, perfectly syncing with the fast-paced action on the field.
Anthemic Quality: The song's soaring vocals and triumphant feel create a sense of victory and unwavering determination, ideal for celebrating a hard-fought win.
Emotional Impact: Kanye West's signature bravado and the song's overall powerful message of resilience resonate with the spirit of competition and overcoming challenges inherent in rugby.
9. Runaway (Galantis - 2025)
Driving Beat: Runaway's powerful, driving beat perfectly complements the fast-paced action and thrilling moments of rugby highlights, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
Uplifting Melody: The uplifting melody and soaring synths generate an energetic and celebratory atmosphere, ideal for showcasing impressive plays and triumphant victories.
Anthemic Quality: Its anthemic quality makes it feel big and momentous, suitable for use during climactic moments or montages of outstanding performances.
10. Highway to Hell (AC/DC)
Driving Rhythm: AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" boasts a relentless, high-octane rhythm perfect for capturing the energy and momentum of thrilling rugby highlights.
Anthemic Vocals: Brian Johnson's powerful vocals and the song's singalong chorus create an undeniably triumphant atmosphere, ideal for celebrating key moments in a match.
Raw Energy: The raw, unbridled energy of the track perfectly complements the physicality and intensity of rugby, making it a natural fit for celebratory montages.
11Bodies
Drowning Pool
2001
Sinner
12The Edge of Glory
Lady Gaga
2011
13Run Boy Run
Woodkid
2013
14The Trooper
Iron Maiden
1983
Piece of Mind (2015 Remaster)
15Indestructible
Disturbed
2009
Indestructible (Deluxe Edition)
16Let's Go
Calvin Harris,Ne-Yo
2012
17Run
Foo Fighters
2017
18Born To Be Wild
Steppenwolf
1968
Steppenwolf
19Gold
Spandau Ballet
1983
20Run This Town
JAY-Z,Kanye West,Rihanna
2009
The Blueprint 3
21Notorious B.I.G
Notorious B.I.G.
1999
22Till I Collapse
Eminem,Nate Dogg
2002
The Eminem Show
23Right Now
Van Halen
1991
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
24Summer Overture
Clint Mansell
2000
25Hoppípolla
Sigur Rós
2005