Former England fly-half Danny Cipriani has ignited a fiery Twitter debate by proposing that diving or simulation might be regarded as a component of the dramatic “theatre” of rugby union.
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Lately, discussions have emerged regarding diving or simulation in rugby union, as instances in the Guinness Six Nations and Gallagher Premiership have been cited to indicate the possible encroachment of this practice into the sport.
There were a number of noticeable instances during the Six Nations, including Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton and Wales’ Liam Williams.
Cipriani took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the matter, saying: “If we use rugby to pretend we are better than everyone else and enforce a moral compass, our sport will crumble.
“It is a game. It is theatre. When footballers go down it’s all part of the action. Let’s stop judging and start enjoying.”
He added: “As a sport, we try to take a moral high ground. The majority of defence coaches teach ways to slow the game down (cheat) or is it tactics? We may not like it but trying to act better than everyone else is breaking our sport.
“I’m not saying that everyone should be diving. It happens once in a blue moon. But late hits, nonsense happening in rucks and mauls to gain an advantage which is all part of it is accepted. It’s like going down with a sinking ship sticking to this moral high ground!
“The sport is crumbling before our eyes. Participation is down. Clubs are going bankrupt. Yet we want to say soccer is the lowest level? Anything to do with class? Soccer is a far more honest sport than rugby.”
“Creeping in” – Worst dives of 2023 includes Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell
#1. Owen Farrell (Saracens vs Harlequins)
An Owen Farrell dive was one of the only low points on a fantastic day of rugby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
One fan wrote: “Owen Farrell’s football dive,”
A second commented: “Yes that is a card, but Owen Farrell has absolutely milked that. Embarrassing.”
Another said: “Owen Farrell gone down like a footballer there. Embarrassing,”