Sunday Social: Offended official and swearing Sinckler

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 unsurprisingly start with ‘that’ incident in the French Pro D2 on Friday between Beziers and Nevers when referee Laurent Millotte blew for full-time and was then lifted by Josaia Raisuqe in celebration. Here is the incident itself where the player was shown a red card:

It prompted lots of reaction and the league’s official account added some Lion King music since it was akin to that famous scene.

Plenty also wondered what the quick-witted Nigel Owens would have said in that moment and, as ever, the Welsh referee had a very funny response.

Elsewhere, there was a controversial incident in the Exeter v Bristol match as Kyle Sinckler swore – rather loudly – after a dangerous tackle by Luke Cowan-Dickie. The lack of crowd evidently did not help but it was very audible to those watching and Sinckler was admonished by referee Karl Dickson.

To his credit, the England tighthead prop did apologise immediately after the game on social media.

Exeter weren’t necessarily too happy either. While the tackle was indeed dangerous, Cowan-Dickie did propel his arms forward, begging the question as to where rugby players can tackle their opponents.

Despite those much discussed incidents, there was plenty of excitement on the field, with Newcastle Falcons’ Adam Radwan scoring a stunning try in their win over Gloucester.

Another wing also impressed as Paolo Odogwu put in a superb performance as Wasps beat Bath 52-44 on Friday in a thrilling encounter.

Meanwhile, Northampton Saints were remembering some of their great players during the week and brought up a piece of magic from Carlos Spencer.

On the other side of the world, we’re rather excited about this back-row combination:

Finally, staying in Japan and Freddie Burns, who is currently at Toyota Industries Shuttles, revealed how they settle matches which end in draws.