Sunday Social: Eligibility, disappointment and apologies

Adam Kyriacou
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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 begin in Samoa, where news of World Rugby’s decision to alter its eligibility laws is viewed as a dream coming true by former Manu Samoa lock Daniel Leo.

The decision was definitely a cause for celebration for Leo, who has been working tirelessly for it happen.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of excitement for Duane Vermeulen ahead of the Barbarians’ match against Manu Samoa at Twickenham.

It wasn’t to be though as there was a Covid outbreak in the Baa-baas camp which forced the cancellation of that encounter – 90 minutes before its scheduled kick off.

Despite that disappointment, Samoa’s players still came out onto the field to perform their Sipi Tau.

They are also sang their national anthem in what proved to be an emotional day.

In the build-up to that fixture the Barbarians players showed they’re good sports by posing for some photos in their budgie smugglers.

https://twitter.com/Barbarian_FC/status/1464246346727268356

Elsewhere, the 2021/22 World Rugby Sevens Series kicked off in Dubai and some of the players had a ball while practising their celebrations.

While this lip reading rugby game, between England players Natasha “Mo” Hunt and Emily Scarratt, proved to be a hit.

In the Premiership, rugby did their bit to support the LGBTQ+ community with the Rainbow laces campaign.

Elsewhere, Dave Rennie and Rugby Australia apologised for recent comments from the Wallabies coach, but World Rugby’s statement also took a not so subtle swipe at another high profile coach and rugby organisation, who also issued apologies last week.

In Ireland, there was a nice touch from veteran front-row forward Cian Healy, who donated his match jersey from his 110th Test against the All Blacks to the Movember Ireland charity raffle. Well done, Cian!

While in England, Bath opened the doors to BT Sport in a very interesting feature as they went about their preparations for Friday’s Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs at the Rec.

And finally, we reckon we’ve found Joe Marler’s lookalike. What do you think?

https://twitter.com/math_c_/status/1464300788918931469

Australia