Sunday Social: Christmas jokes and a world record

Colin Newboult

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Continuing the Irish theme and Connacht supporters attempted to break a word record during their game with Munster…

…which they duly did.

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.

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.

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.

Laidlaw had plenty of great moments, but this clip, which occurred following Scotland’s win over England in 2018, is arguably the most memorable.