Rugby is known and often celebrated for its physicality, but even in rugby there are times that physicality can border on pure violence. That’s exactly what appears to have happened in a Farrant Cup match between rivals Sydney Harbour Oysters and Sydney Irish in Australia.
As a Sydney Irish player charged towards their Harbour opponents, the defensive number 20 appeared to completely forget which sport he was playing, as he swung his feet high in the air to kick out at the attacking runner – knocking him clean onto the floor.
The Irish, undeterred by the sudden act, continued their progress into the opposition 22, popping the ball up to the steppy scrum half to break the line.
Viewers of the clip found themselves surprised by the reaction from the players, with many suggesting that the kicking culprit was extremely lucky not to receive more backlash from the Sydney Irish players.
One person commented: “There isn’t a rugby team in the world that wouldn’t swarm an opposition player that did that. Whistle or not, 14 team mates are gonna have more than a quiet word with that chap immediately. I can’t believe the player just picked up the ball and played on. My U11 team would have earned some red cards…”
Another said: “Advantage? No but seriously, that ref didn’t give a fuck. Almost like he’s seen that before.”
“Looks like, Attempted Murder, to me.” another added.
Those finding the footage more on the funny side, claimed “Austin Healey will still say he’s seen it go either way” and joked about referee Matt Carley saying: “Advantage played, play on.”
Let us know your thoughts: Straight red? Play on?
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