Ireland’s dreams of clinching their first Olympic medal in rugby sevens were dashed following a narrow 19-15 defeat to Fiji in the quarter-finals at the Stade de France.
James Topping’s side held a promising 15-7 lead over the two-time defending champions in the second half. However, they squandered their second two-score advantage of the day, reminiscent of their earlier pool-stage defeat to New Zealand.
The decisive moment came when Hugo Keenan was out-jumped for the ball by Waisea Nacuqu, who then sprinted clear to score. Replays appeared to show the ball had gone forward off a Fijian hand, but this went unnoticed by the on-field referee and was not reviewed by the TMO, despite the groans from the crowd as the incident was replayed on the big screen.
This oversight has arguably cost Ireland their shot at an Olympic medal.
Reflecting on the incident, former England fly-half Andy Goode took to X, saying, “Ireland done by the ref missing a knock on from the kick off which leads to the winning try for Fiji. Can the TMO not intervene in 7s when it leads to a try? Shocking.”
He added, “Clear knock on from Fiji that leads directly to the winning try over the heartbroken Ireland team. How was this not checked by the TMO in an Olympic quarter-final? If the TMO isn’t allowed to check, it’s even more ludicrous.”
Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, “That was a very clear knock on for the Fiji 3rd try. TMO not even checked. That’s crazy. Ireland robbed there.”
The outcome leaves Ireland to reflect on what might have been in a game that could have had a very different ending.
Joe Marler Breaks England’s Gym Records, Named Their Strongest Player Ever
The question “How much do you bench bro?” resonates across rugby clubs and fitness centres nationwide.
Andrew Sheridan, a legendary prop who earned 40 caps between 2004 and 2011, holds a distinguished place as one of England’s strongest players in history.
Renowned for his immense physical prowess, Sheridan’s reputation extends to the realm of near-elite powerlifting. His astonishing abilities include a bench press of 225 kilograms (35 st 6 lb; 496 lb) and a squat of 275 kilograms (43 st 4 lb; 606 lb).
Today, we highlight five of England’s current powerhouse players, among whom Joe Marler has recently astounded spectators with his remarkable lifts.
Discover the full list below.
BENCH-PRESS RECORD:
Genge, the formidable English rugby prop, is recognized for his explosive power and unwavering tenacity on the pitch. With a dynamic playing style and fierce competitiveness, he stands as a crucial asset for both his club and the national team.
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