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 at United Rugby Championship outfit Ulster where there were some impressive drone-controlling skills on display at Kingspan Stadium.
Missed @UlsterRugby?
We've got you covered.
👀🚁🏉 pic.twitter.com/hjZwChv11D
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) August 27, 2021
Staying with the flying theme, there was some awkwardness as the Springboks and Pumas were on the same chartered flight to Australia where they will complete their Rugby Championship programme.
Quality discipline from @Springboks and @lospumas. Maintaining the gap perfectly. Pic source unknown…#rugbychampionship pic.twitter.com/Y4JYJNctDv
— Craig Ray (@craigray11) August 27, 2021
Upon arrival in Queensland the Boks settled into their new surroundings with a relaxed game of head tennis.
🟢🟡The Springboks have a little bit of fun to get the vibe going before a tough gym session in Australia as they prepare to return to field training on Monday 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/0HeK8vMK3E
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 29, 2021
🇳🇿 What it means to become All Blacks captain…🥲
Congratulations Ardie Savea, thoroughly deserved. 👏👏pic.twitter.com/JNOYb5rEJL
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 28, 2021
While another All Black loose forward, Ethan Blackadder, showed that he is more than just a hard running forward with this impressive drop goal at training.
Ethan Blackadder 🎯 pic.twitter.com/XsUZj1BxbQ
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 28, 2021
Elsewhere, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Manchester United hit the headlines on Friday but he’s still not as good as Hamish Watson, according one of the Scotland, Lions and Edinburgh flanker’s admirers.
Manchester's most famous number 7 and Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/IktQJPtqO0
— Mark Palmer (@MarkPalmerST) August 27, 2021
In France, despite being relegated from the Top 14, these Bayonne supporters were in good spirits as they started the new season in the Pro D2 competition.
Great to see the Pro D2 back last night, and especially with a full house
Few better atmospheres than at Jean Dauger when Bayonne are in action, and looks like the fans enjoyed being back!pic.twitter.com/I3FRwDzaOA
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) August 27, 2021
Those Bayonne fans were in raptures after this brilliant try-assist from Remy Baget in their victory over Agen at Stade Jean Dauger.
#PROD2 – L’image de la J1 : La saison commence en beauté
On peut d’ores et déjà vous l’annoncer cette saison devrait être acrobatique ! 🤹♂️🤸 Magnifique inspiration du bondissant trois-quarts de l’@avironrugbypro Remy Baget pour servir son compère Arthur Duhau ! 👋🏉 pic.twitter.com/UNr438Qc0s— Rugby PRO D2 (@rugbyprod2) August 26, 2021
Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s forwards and backs seem to have different ways of preparing for the upcoming season.
The difference between forwards and backs.
Exhibit 🅰… 😉 pic.twitter.com/rb0SkgbpQB
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) August 28, 2021
In South Africa, it was a sad day for their national Sevens team’s fans after veteran Blitzbok Chris Dry announced his retirement from the game on Friday. Thanks for the great memories, Chris!
A brilliant servant to the @blitzboks 🇿🇦
Congrats on a terrific career, @chrisdry7! pic.twitter.com/t60hfPLm3f
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) August 27, 2021
And finally, there were jubilant scenes at the Tokyo Paralympics on Sunday as Great Britain won the Wheelchair Rugby gold medal after beating the United States in the final. Congratulations!
Those #GOLD medal emotions for #GBR 🥇#WheelchairRugby | #Paralympics | #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/2R0m5hpT33
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) August 29, 2021