Rugby World Cup: Labour MPs fight for bagpipes

Labour MPs are on a crusade to overturn a Rugby World Cup ban on bagpipes. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Labour MPs are on a crusade to overturn a Rugby World Cup ban on bagpipes, saying the rules make New Zealanders look like a bunch of "kiltjoys".

Iain Lees-Galloway, Jacinda Ardern and Maryan Street were among those approached by a journalist from Edinburgh's Sunday Post to comment on the ban.

The journalist said the issue had caused a furore in Scotland and the Scottish Government had written to the tournament organisers calling for the ban to be overturned.

Mr Lees-Galloway, who called himself Labour's unofficial spokesperson with a Scottish name, said bagpipes had been included in the tournament's opening ceremony and he did not see why they not be allowed at games, even before or after the match.

"If we can have the haka, then surely the Scots should be allowed a bit of skirt and skirl," he said.

"I can't deny my ancestry. I support Scotland against any other team but the All Blacks. Surely a compromise can be reached before Scotland's next game in Wellington."

Ms Ardern said she was not sure why the journalist had contacted her.

"Although I am a third generation Scottish migrant, from the McVicar and McCrae line, but I do know my long-passed Scottish grandmother would be outraged by the ban," Ms Ardern said.

"And men in kilts? What's not to like? Richie McCaw fronted up in a kilt, with a set of pipes and played Amazing Grace at a recent charity auction and he's an All Black."