Sunday Social: Rugby pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, a recap of the talking points which this week focusses on the sport’s heartfelt messages to the Queen.
The sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday has understandably seen an outpouring from people paying their respects and rugby was no different this week.
We begin with Premiership Rugby as they remembered the “inspirational” life Her Majesty led, with this message on the day something that many clubs followed.
On behalf of everyone at Premiership Rugby, we are very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We stand together in remembering the inspirational life of our Queen. pic.twitter.com/GlFNU9QN6a
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) September 8, 2022
For example, reigning Premiership champions Leicester Tigers kept their tribute short on Thursday while posting this lovely black and white image of the Queen.
Rest In Peace, Your Majesty. pic.twitter.com/raGci2TnlF
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) September 8, 2022
The Queen saw plenty of memorable sporting moments and this picture from 2003 with the Rugby World Cup-winning England team was a proud day for the players.
A special moment with Her Majesty , the Rugby World Cup and a corgi courtesy of a smiling @AndyGomarsall ( back row third from right)@EnglandRugby pic.twitter.com/KonEf84Dz2
— chris jones (@chrisjonespress) September 9, 2022
Of course the social media messages also came from outside England as Scottish Rugby joined the rugby world in leaving a heartfelt tribute on their Twitter page.
Scottish Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and offers its condolences to the whole Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/NufahW7dcX
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) September 8, 2022
The Welsh Rugby Union also added their own words as they remembered the Queen, who was a Royal Patron for over 50 years, accompanied by another great picture.
We send the sincere and heartfelt condolences of Welsh rugby to the Royal Family after the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II
Our Royal Patron for over 50yrs graced our national stadium many times. We thank The Queen for years of service on this profoundly sad day pic.twitter.com/UzPoz80agA
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 8, 2022
Further afield, the All Blacks posted images from the archives of the Queen with legends Andrew Mehrtens, Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga and Ma’a Nonu among others.
We join the world in mourning her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and extend our thoughts and condolences to the Royal Family. Rest in Peace your majesty. pic.twitter.com/ufqYZXBbD7
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 8, 2022
We also loved this picture of former France international captain Raphaël Ibañez with the Queen, who the hooker called “a great lady” after meeting her on the field.
A great lady.
My thoughts to United Kingdom 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/kN8JBGmRoF— Raphaël Ibañez (@Ibanez_Raphael) September 8, 2022
Looking further back and former England captain Will Carling was quick to post this image as he remembered meeting Queen Elizabeth II on a number of occasions.
Was hugely honoured to have met the Queen a number of times. She was such an impressive person, her reign is testament to that and the over powering respect the world had for her. What a life, what an example pic.twitter.com/ZdmQmaSFaK
— Will Carling (@willcarling) September 8, 2022
The trips down memory lane continued with former South Africa finisher Bryan Habana putting up this image alongside Victor Matfield and former Wallaby Henry Speight.
Rest in peace your Majesty 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/4gCK2v5TKy
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) September 9, 2022
There was also a video of the Wallabies, including a young Matt Giteau with their squad’s mascot, meeting the Queen back in 2002. Moments players will never forget.
⏪ A fresh-faced @giteau_rugby meets Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II back in 2002.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/p8CXOZJ7Uw
— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 9, 2022
Staying in Australia, the Reds posted their own tribute as the great John Eales, a Queensland legend, was given the Rugby World Cup trophy by the Queen in 1999.
We join the world in mourning the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/JWiW9zablj
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) September 8, 2022
Returning to the present day and Edinburgh wore black armbands for their pre-season friendly game against Benetton as the club offered an insight into their tribute.
Paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/lqL7w3IwR6
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) September 10, 2022
Finally, each Premiership game on Saturday and Sunday observed a minute’s silence before the national anthem, with pictures such as this seen around the grounds across England’s top flight as rugby paid its respects to Her Majesty in their own way.
Rugby union pays its respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/9yfgf7DDFB
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 10, 2022
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