Sunday Social: Emotions, culture and playing with an injury
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.
First up, an emotional send off for Capo Ortega, who devoted almost two decades to Castres. A legend in every sense of the word. Look at what it means to him!
😢 What a nice send-off for Castres legend Rodrigo Capo Ortega.
👏 He enjoyed 18 seasons at the club, playing over 400 matches.pic.twitter.com/NI2xaYAOvC
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 26, 2022
Meanwhile, Super Rugby Pacific continues to grow as one of the most culturally inspired tournaments globally. Both the Fijian Drua and Highlanders perform war dances to commemorate the Drua’s first game at their home base in Suva.
🇫🇯 CHILLS! 🇫🇯
The passion. The culture. The love for the game… How bloody good is Super Rugby in Suva! 👏🏉
🖥️ DRUvHIG | Live on @StanSportAU.#SuperRugbyPacific #StanSportAu #Rugby pic.twitter.com/HOupJ5eWxP
— Stan Sport Rugby (@StanSportRugby) April 30, 2022
Waratahs fly-half Tane Edmed breaks down after beating the Crusaders. Rugby is founded on passion, and it is excellent to see players show their passion for the game, its camaraderie and the battles on the field.
THIS is what it means! 🤗
How good is rugby! Congrats Tane and the @NSWWaratahs. 👏🔵 #WARvCRU #SuperRugbyPacific #StanSportAu pic.twitter.com/syPch337DE
— Stan Sport Rugby (@StanSportRugby) April 30, 2022
A bit warmer than Glasgow in April? Rob Harley jokes about having sun cream hands as he protects against the South African sun.
Never change, Rob 😂 pic.twitter.com/tLj3YCtyEK
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) April 27, 2022
A packed house at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch for South Africa’s Varsity Cup final. Not sure how the organisers calculated 50% capacity there – due to that country’s Covid regulations – but no complaints, what an occasion.
Dis altyd lente…
The atmosphere at the FNB Varsity Cup final in Stellenbosch is unbelievable. Love to see the #FansThatRock back at the Danie Craven stadium. pic.twitter.com/bvMY2krX7V
— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 25, 2022
Well, who would be a TMO, the University of Pretoria won with a controversial pass that surely has to be forward. Reminiscent of France’s infamous win over New Zealand in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Bernard Van Der Linde gets his brace and scores the winning try to crown @TuksSport as the FNB Varsity Cup 2022 champions🏆.
#RugbyThatRocks pic.twitter.com/QmQAfQuHWS— Varsity Cup (@varsitycup) April 25, 2022
In Italy, Zebre ended a 27 game losing streak with a win over the Dragons. Look at what it means to the players and fans. Italian rugby is always soaked with pride, and that is why we love the game.
🎉🦓🎉🦓 Magnifico 🦓🎉🦓🎉
This is why we love rugby! 🥹
Congratulations @ZebreRugby 🙌@Vodacom #URC | #ZEBvDRA pic.twitter.com/0t6BYkpnfI
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) April 30, 2022
Wow! Northampton stalwart Courtney Lawes with a gruesome thumb injury! That makes for tough viewing, and he went on to play with that injury. Admirable effort, Courtney.
Sheesh 🥴@Courtney_Lawes is not human. pic.twitter.com/hYFgjyDMik
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) April 30, 2022
Elsewhere, this one is for all the props out there winning their team scrum penalties! The big lads get their own parking to fuel up. Brilliant stuff.
Just a quick reminder that top quality establishments have dedicated car parking for Props who BBQ.#ShopLocal pic.twitter.com/HCFA789Ecv
— Overthehillprop (@Overthehillprop) April 25, 2022
He is back! This Stormers‘ dancer went viral last week for his exploits before the game, and here he is again. Leave some of the spotlight for the players!
As if he didn't get enough airtime this week.#iamastormer #dhldelivers @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/tqXNj1NwGA
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 30, 2022
Someone call the burn ward. Bath‘s absolutely roasted in this one. Another tough outing for the Premiership outfit this week against Gloucester.
Bath rugby defence vs Gloucester pic.twitter.com/TVRV6UgldP
— R (@ryanharding97) April 30, 2022