Sunday Social: Christmas jokes and a world record
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 start with Leicester Tigers’ game against Exeter Chiefs where Ben Kay produced this wonderful put-down on fellow BT Sport pundit Austin Healey.
Oh wow Ben Kay that is absolutely ruthless ☠️
A bit of Christmas savagery between our pundits 😂 pic.twitter.com/449JwJObjc
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 21, 2019
There was also plenty of interesting chat from the players before the encounter with Ellis Genge laying down the challenge to England team-mate Harry Williams as they prepared to go head-to-head.
"Ugh… I just hope it stays up to be honest."
"I've been chatting to Harry, I sent a letter, he knows what's coming."
Ellis Genge is ready for the battle in at scrum time…
Brilliant 😂 pic.twitter.com/6dPc6W3ZIL
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 21, 2019
Williams had the last laugh, however, as the Chiefs claimed a 31-22 victory, but it was Jack Nowell that took to social media to provide this excellent retort.
Dear Harry
Please take it easy on me today, love you always
Love @EllisGenge
*found your letter my man
— Jack Nowell (@nowellsy15) December 21, 2019
People got a bit too carried away on Twitter over Genge’s comments and the Leicester prop unfortunately had to remind everyone that it was just a joke.
Why’s everyone losing their minds over a bit of craic between me and arry, you lot need to relax do you want players to be robots and give you 0 personality. Well done @ExeterChiefs you lot are class safe journey home, thanks to our fans too! Merry Christmas everyone.
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) December 21, 2019
In the PRO14, there was a thrilling match on Friday as Leinster defeated Ulster 54-42. There were plenty of young players featuring for both sides and Stewart Moore displayed his talent with this wonderful off-load.
Coach: Right lad, it's your first cap. Just keep it nice and simple.
Stewart Moore: pic.twitter.com/RKdzLljaw9
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 21, 2019
Continuing the Irish theme and Connacht supporters attempted to break a word record during their game with Munster…
And the world record attempt is underway!
A sold out Sportsground in hi vis jackets singing Fairytale of New York. You love to see it! 🟡🌲@PortwestIreland #BeBrightOnSafety pic.twitter.com/pZGtb3DjYU
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 21, 2019
…which they duly did.
We did it!
The exact numbers need to be counted, but we predict FIVE THOUSAND supporters have worn hi-vis jackets, smashing the World Record! 🟡
Well done everyone! 👏 #BeBrightOnSafety @PortwestIreland pic.twitter.com/JBP548oL9V
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 21, 2019
On the field, it was all about Munster, however. The performance was based on an excellent forward effort and this scrum was simply beautiful to watch.
If you find yourself hammering both fists off the nearest table after watching this GIF of Keynan Knox vapourising this scrum, don’t worry – it’s totally normal. #CONvMUN pic.twitter.com/IwUTsoDTtG
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) December 21, 2019
During the week, there was sad news as rugby league legend Rob Burrow announced that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Doddie Weir, who suffers with the same illness, was one of the first to get in touch and offer his support.
I met with @Rob7Burrow last night and offered him whatever help and support he might need at what is a difficult time for him. Meeting another sportsman suffering from MND has strengthened my resolve to help find a solution to this condition
https://t.co/W9FaJJGrzq— Doddie Weir OBE (@DoddieWeir5) December 19, 2019
Elsewhere, captain and scrum-half Greig Laidlaw announced his retirement from Test rugby and many paid tribute to the 34-year-old, who enjoyed an excellent career for Scotland.
39 – Greig Laidlaw captained the men's @Scotlandteam 39 times, more than any other player, while he was also their 2nd top point scorer (714, C Paterson – 809); in fact, in Test rugby only Hugo Porta scored more points while captaining his country than Laidlaw (391). Legacy. pic.twitter.com/g0hgBA9R9G
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) December 19, 2019
Laidlaw had plenty of great moments, but this clip, which occurred following Scotland’s win over England in 2018, is arguably the most memorable.
There’s a lot Greig Laidlaw will be remembered for.
From captaining Scotland a record 39 times to the many times he single handedly dragged the team over the line by the scruff of the neck.
But most of all I think we’ll remember him as a fashion icon with a great singing voice. pic.twitter.com/51wU3kYBXk— Graham Love (@glove931) December 19, 2019