Ref mic picks up Kyle Sinckler sledge as prop's performance slated

A humourous sledge from Bristol Bears prop Kyle Sinckler was heard on the ref mic during his side’s 30-15 Gallagher Premiership loss to Newcastle Falcons last night at Kingston Park, but it hasn’t stopped the prop from getting slated for his performance online.

It was a difficult night in particular at scrum time for Sinckler, who just 14 months ago was touring South Africa as a British & Irish Lions.

The tighthead was penalised at the scrum and fumbled the ball on a number of occasions.

Maybe the highlight for the prop in what was a difficult night was his repost to Newcastle Adam Brocklebank, with the referee’s mic picking him up saying: ‘I don’t even know who you are’.

While the comment gave plenty of fans a laugh, more still expressed concern at how badly the prop – who has missed out on selection for a 3-day Eddie Jones’ England training session – had played. “You’ve got to remember that for this camp we’ve only got the boys for two training sessions, so rather than disrupt the pattern we’re allowing Kyle to train with his club and be in a bit of a routine,” said Jones. “We want to see that progression from him going forward, to get himself right…”

A remarkable talent, his dip in form hasn’t been lost on social media either.

Jonathan Beardmore wrote: “Sinckler “I don’t even know who you are” quite funny in fairness… If he hadn’t dropped the ball several times then got replaced.”

Sinkler "I don't even know who you are" quite funny in fairness…… If he hadn't dropped the ball several times then got replaced.

— JB (@Jbeardmore) September 30, 2022

One account observed: “We need to talk about Kyle Sinckler. 6/10 since he joined Bristol?”

We need to talk about Kyle Sinckler. 6/10 since he joined Bristol? #BristolBears #NEWvBRI

— Ben Prater (@benpratershow) September 30, 2022

Another Bears fan wrote: “Sorry but I’m losing patience with Sinckler…”

Sorry but I'm losing patience with Sinckler…

— Filthy rig (@FilthyRig) September 30, 2022

Another fan suggested he would have been replaced earlier had it not been for his standing in the game ‘If Sinckler was a young prop bet he would of got the hook by now’.

If Sinckler was a young prop bet he would of got the hook by now #Hands

— Luke Cozens (@Luke1cozens) September 30, 2022

Sinckler – arguably the best England tighthead of his generation – seems to be at a difficult spot in his career. There have been rumours of a move to France but if he is to play a key part in England’s Rugby World Cup next year, he needs to find some form and in relatively short notice.