By now you’ve no doubt heard all about the sprinklers that went off during the Barbarians 27-24 win over Samoa at London’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday. Some great photos emerged, so now you can see some footage too, mixed in with some of those classic snaps.
While fans weren’t happy with the facilities at the stadium, and this ill-timed sprinkler blooper was not ideal, Rugby World Cup organisers have since insisted that things are on track for a great event, and that the venue simply experienced a minor technical fault.
“A minor technical fault with the timer system led to the sprinklers coming on,” said a spokesman. “It was resolved quickly and will be investigated to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“This is why we have test events – and we are confident it will be a great RWC venue.”
The sprinklers stopped play shortly after the Barbarians had scored a try, bemusing the Samoans but giving some of the old timers on the BaaBaa’s side a good opportunity to refresh.
“Apart from the sprinklers going off there were no complaints from me. One of two of us enjoyed the extra shower,” said former All Black prop Carl Hayman, who was joined in the water by Barbarians skipper on the day, Bakkies Botha.
This was the first rugby game ever held at the stadium. During the World Cup it will host four pool matches and then the Third Place Playoff.
Sign In