Sunday Social: An uproar, a tackle and a book deal

David Skippers

It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, your quirky recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past week’s action.

We unsurprisingly start with the recent uproar over the RFU’s decision to review the singing of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot at England Tests which resulted in every man and his dog giving their opinion on the matter. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is no different.

The controversy over that song means the big question is how do they stop it if they decide to ban it?

Pacific Rugby Players Welfare chief and former Samoa second-row Daniel Leo believes there is more important things to worry about in the game.

Staying with controversy, there was a big outcry on Twitter after NFL player Marquette King said he feels he could make an easy switch to rugby. He deserves credit for backing himself but we wonder if he would come out in one piece if he takes up this offer from the All Blacks.

Barcelona and Argentina football star Lionel Messi’s brilliant dribbling skills means he’s a handful to deal with for opposing defenders. So much so that this opponent pulled off a textbook rugby tackle on him.

Meanwhile, Reds and Wallabies tighthead prop Taniela Tupou was really pumped after this 200kg bench press in the gym.

Apart from their outstanding recent performances on the field, the Blues players’ hairdos have also got rugby supporters talking.

Former Edinburgh and Scotland lock Jim Hamilton enjoyed this bit of banter between his old club and their arch rivals, Glasgow Warriors.

Meanwhile, this Cameroonian international’s enthusiasm for the game has not been dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

And finally, BBC rugby commentator Andrew Cotter’s entertaining commentary on the antics of his dogs, Olive and Mabel, have been rewarded with a book deal. Well done to all three of them.