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'Better than the OBJ catch': Ireland women go viral after crazy manoeuvre labelled 'insane'
By Ben Smith
Ireland women’s sevens players Erin King and Emily Lane have gone viral after a lifting catch in their 7th-8th placing match against Great Britain.
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The catch by Lane has been labelled ‘insane’, who was being lifted by King as the ball sailed over the both of them. Lane was able to make the catch while horizontal, and King’s strength was able to safely keep her up.
Lane may have ended up dangerously falling if not for King’s miraculous strength, able to flip her back around to land on her feet.
Within a matter of hours a clip of the incident reached five million views on X, with over 100,000 likes.
This is absolutely insane. pic.twitter.com/UQYnd3Mh96
— QUAN (@QuannyNitro) July 30, 2024
The clip landed with an American audience, many who had not seen rugby before as the reach of the Olympics breaks new ground for the sport.
One fan wrote “this is better than the OBJ catch”, a reference to NFL star wide recieve Odell Beckham Jr. and his infamous grab from 2014 that broke the internet.
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That strength to maintain your grip is crazyyyy 🤯
— Juvany Georges (@juvanygeorges) July 31, 2024
This is better than the OBJ catch
— Frank K (@Frankkly38) July 31, 2024
Good Lawd. That's a linebacker if I have ever seen one.
— RickyBooby (@RickyBoobyAU) July 31, 2024
11 got that superwoman strength. insane
— Explaining the Cubs (@explaincubs) July 31, 2024
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Most pro athletes that earn millions cannot do this. Unreal.
— Minnehaha (@beer_wisconsin) July 31, 2024
SOMEONE GET @ShawnMichaels ON THE PHONE 🚨
— Immortal Storm (@_ImmortalStorm) July 31, 2024
NFL needs to adopt this. Imagine the tight end being able to toss a receiver in the air to catch a pass.
— James Blake (@nombrechutup) July 31, 2024
We’re like four days into the Olympics, and Girl Rugby is already my new favorite sport.
— Clay (@MoodyBlueshirt) July 31, 2024
The core strength in number 11 is absolutely astonishing. Girl what!?
— shellsea (@seashellinacity) July 31, 2024
I’m putting my daughter into rugby this is impressive
— Britton Winterrose (@bwinterrose) July 31, 2024
Wish I understood h th e sport better to appreciate it on a deeper level. Was this an interception?
— Bae Guevara (@Kaimandante) July 31, 2024
The sevens have been a big success with Americans with Ireland’s Erin King the latest player to gain notoriety.
USA 7s star Ilona Maher has become the most followed rugby athlete on social media in the world during this Olympics, while USA’s bronze medal finish in the women’s event may propel the game further.
She has rocketed to 1.8 million followers on Instagram, past Sonny Bill Williams and Siya Kolisi who both have 1.3 million. Maher passed the million mark on Friday.
Barstool Sports podcaster Feitelberg was impressed with the USA women’s side and their “intimidation move” against the Japanese.
USA women’s rugby not wearing helmets while Japan is, is one of the biggest intimidation moves I’ve ever seen. Imagine you showed up to a game and the other team just didn’t wear equipment? I’d call my mom and tell her to come get me.
— feitelberg (@FeitsBarstool) July 28, 2024
Good Morning Football host Kyle Brandt has been sharing sevens highlights to his 450,000 followers on X and even advocated for hosting a new show.
The sport needs its own show.
Good Morning Women’s Rugby. GMWR
I’m in. They’re amazing. https://t.co/quDvm5a6VO
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) July 28, 2024
New tickets for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are now available, with prices starting at £10 for adults and £5 for children. Buy now!
Rugby is an amazing sport. 7s is an excellent way to crack the US market. Amazing to watch and easy to play.