Rugby’s Social Media Moments of the Week: Owen Farrell berated by Racing 92 owner + Game of the tournament in Women’s World Cup

Rugby has a way of creating moments that go far beyond the scoreboard, and this past week delivered plenty for fans to savour online.

From the Women’s Rugby World Cup to competitions across the globe, the sport showed its power to inspire, unite, and stir emotion.

Supporters shared the thrill of dramatic contests, the joy of underdogs making history, and the raw humanity of players and coaches giving everything for their teams.

It was a week that highlighted not just skill on the field, but the stories behind it, of communities rallying, sacrifices made, and dreams being realised.

Whether in France, Fiji, or Northampton, rugby’s global heartbeat was clear, with social media capturing it all from every corner of the globe.

Here are some of the biggest moments from the social media world this weekend.

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Women’s World Cup Game of the Tournament

The Women’s Rugby World Cup witnessed its most thrilling contest yet as the USA and Australia battled to an unforgettable draw in Pool A.

Australia struck first, leading 14-5 at the break through sharp finishes from Desiree Miller and teenager Caitlyn Halse. USA’s Freda Tafuna sparked a comeback with the first of her three tries, before Keia Mae Sagapolu and Tafuna herself powered the Eagles into the lead.

The Wallaroos countered with Miller’s pace and Halse’s brilliance to move 26-17 ahead, but Tafuna’s hat-trick and Erica Jarrell-Searcy’s score swung momentum again.

In a pulsating finale, Eva Karpani levelled the match before late missed kicks from both sides sealed the 26-26 draw.

End-to-end drama made this clash the standout game of the tournament so far.

Owen Farrell Berated by Racing 92 Owner

Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti has launched a blistering attack on Owen Farrell, accusing the former England captain of dishonesty over his abrupt departure from Paris.

Farrell had signed a two-year deal worth £685,000 a season, but injuries and speculation limited him to 17 appearances before he returned to Saracens this summer.

Racing had already spent £500,000 to buy him out of his contract in 2023 and only recouped part of that investment after tense negotiations.

Lorenzetti says Farrell misled the club, claiming he needed to scale back playing commitments, only to turn out for the British and Irish Lions weeks later.

“It’s called lying… I felt betrayed,” he told L’Equipe. The affair marks another costly misfire in Racing’s failed “galacticos” recruitment drive.

Unique Sending off in Rugby League

In rugby league, fans witnessed one of the most unique red cards the sport has ever seen as York Valkyrie hooker Sinead Peach was dismissed late in her side’s 18-8 defeat to St Helens.

With the Saints sealing victory thanks to a comeback inspired by Phoebe Hook’s two tries and a late penalty from Faye Gaskin, the contest ended with controversy when referee microphones picked up Peach allegedly asking him, “Which one are you s****ing?” after a decision went against her.

The official stopped play immediately and produced the red card, leaving players and supporters stunned.

While St Helens celebrated going top of the Women’s Super League table, the incident will be remembered as an extraordinary and highly unusual sending-off.

Pro D2 Returns

The Pro D2 is back for the 2025/26 season, and it began thrillingly as Grenoble stunned Oyonnax with a last-second victory in the opening round.

Widely regarded as the best second-tier rugby competition in the world, and arguably one of the most entertaining leagues full stop, Pro D2 is renowned for its unpredictability, drama, and relentless intensity.

This year, UK viewers can enjoy even greater access, with one game per week available to watch live on the FR-UK Rugby YouTube channel.

Grenoble’s late win over Oyonnax perfectly showcased the league’s trademark excitement, where no side is ever safe and late twists are always possible.

With promotion at stake and fierce rivalries across France, the season promises extraordinary rugby from start to finish.

As expected in the Pacific Nations Championship

The Pacific Nations Cup results this weekend came as no surprise, with Japan and Fiji both recording convincing wins. 

In Sendai, Canada held firm for 50 minutes but were eventually overpowered as the Brave Blossoms ran in seven second-half tries to seal a 57-15 victory.

Sion Parry and Jesse Mackail crossed for Canada, yet Amato Fakatava’s brace and a late double from Kippei Ishida highlighted Japan’s ruthless finishing.

Meanwhile, in Suva, Fiji launched their title defence in trademark style with a 32-10 win over Tonga.

The visitors struck first through Augustine Pulu, but Fiji’s flair and power soon took control. 

A try from Kalaveti Ravouvou lit up the contest before Tevita Ikanivere’s score confirmed a comfortable home victory.

Brazil Score First Ever World Cup Try

France stormed into the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with an 84-5 victory over debutants Brazil at Sandy Park, but the night truly belonged to Bianca Silva.

The Brazilian replacement back made history with her country’s first-ever World Cup try, and did so in stunning fashion.

Gathering the ball deep in her own half, Silva sold a brilliant dummy and sprinted three-quarters of the length of the pitch to score, igniting wild celebrations among her teammates and fans.

It was a dazzling individual effort that briefly halted France’s dominance and provided the moment of the match.

While Les Bleues crossed 14 times to secure progression, Silva’s try stood as a milestone for Brazil, symbolising both pride and promise for their growing 15s program.

Samoa Head Coach’s Press Conference

England’s emphatic win over Samoa was expected, but the moment after the match resonated far deeper.

Head coach Ramsey Tomokino, balancing his IT career with leading Samoa’s amateur players, grew emotional as he described the experience.

“Our girls deserve that so much,” Tomokino said, reflecting on the ovation his side received.

“So yeah, that made me a little bit emotional because we’ve never had that, we’ve never had the opportunity to play in front of 13,000 people. That contributes to who we are.”

For Samoa, a squad of mothers, teachers, and everyday workers, this World Cup is about more than results.

Tomokino hopes the exposure will inspire a generation of Pacific women, provided investment and opportunities continue to grow.

READ MORE: Ruthless Red Roses storm to record win against Samoa to book spot in World Cup quarter-finals