Sunday Social: An uproar, a tackle and a book deal
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.
🗣️ "I do not think there should be any prohibition on singing that song."
PM Boris Johnson has his say on Swing Low debate. 👉 https://t.co/QGR4DtkDus pic.twitter.com/vdc0Br88Ut
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 20, 2020
The controversy over that song means the big question is how do they stop it if they decide to ban it?
Even If the rugby authorities ban ‘swing low sweet chariot’ how do they stop 70’,000 fans singing it on the terraces at Twickenham?
— Andrew Pierce (@toryboypierce) June 19, 2020
Pacific Rugby Players Welfare chief and former Samoa second-row Daniel Leo believes there is more important things to worry about in the game.
There's a lot wrong in world rugby that is crying out for urgent change, but Swing Low Sweet Chariot isn't one of those things.
— Daniel Leo (@danleo82) June 19, 2020
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.
You’re welcome to join us for training anytime. https://t.co/QanJhkhV8z
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 20, 2020
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.
👏 Decent tackle on Lionel Messi to be fair.
🎥 @PremierSportsTV pic.twitter.com/YPz8QyJZTJ
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 17, 2020
Meanwhile, Reds and Wallabies tighthead prop Taniela Tupou was really pumped after this 200kg bench press in the gym.
💥@TanielaTupou Bangs Out 200kg 💪pic.twitter.com/F4KwtWJ2MZ
— BenchWarmers – #StayHomeSaveLives (@BeWarmers) June 20, 2020
Apart from their outstanding recent performances on the field, the Blues players’ hairdos have also got rugby supporters talking.
Blues kit man:
"Welcome back from lockdown, boys. Grab some shorts and socks here, bibs here, baselayers are there if you need them. Any questions?
You want me to order what? 30 bottles of peroxide?"
— Blood & Mud Rugby Podcast (@bloodandmud) June 20, 2020
Former Edinburgh and Scotland lock Jim Hamilton enjoyed this bit of banter between his old club and their arch rivals, Glasgow Warriors.
It’s on like that horse and his mate that went viral yesterday. pic.twitter.com/2Fx2XQBzWA
— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) June 19, 2020
Meanwhile, this Cameroonian international’s enthusiasm for the game has not been dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cameroon international Boris Awono keeping his tackling practice going during the pandemic in isolation! Love how he checks if the tyre is ok after the first hit! 👊🏼 👌🏼 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/6O1QDa0vAy
— eatsleeprugbyxv (@eatsleeprugby1) June 21, 2020
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.
You know that thing where dogs announce that they have a book deal? https://t.co/TBXVTfQrv7 pic.twitter.com/sUdduDMf6X
— Andrew Cotter (@MrAndrewCotter) June 19, 2020