SARA ORCHARD made history this weekend by becoming the first woman to be a lead commentator on a rugby match – but she was still targeted by cruel, sexist trolls.
Orchard, a qualified rugby coach and referee, was praised by BBC co-commentator Brian Moore for her impressive knowledge of England’s win over Fiji.
But somw unimpressed Twitter users wasted no time in criticising her commentary debut on yesterday afternoon's BBC2 highlights show - despite being one of the youngest women sports reporters with the BBC and an admired figure among sports broadcasters.
She has worked for a range of BBC channels including BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC London TV News and has commentated for the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations before since joining the corporation 11 years ago.
Phil McGrath commented: "Why is #rugby so awful on telly when @bbcrugbyunion BBC rugby has a female commentator. Calm down dear."
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While Clive Johnson wrote: "a female voice is so irritating for rugby.....what next ?"
And user Salcombecrab posted: "Please don't subject me to your female commentator for the England rugby again thanks."
Another called her commentary "verbal diarrhoea" while one said: "Made me turn over immediately. So painful. No need, PC for PC sake #getheroff."
Orchard did not get drawn into the Twitter row, but Moore tweeted afterwards: "Sara Orchard had a good debut today.
"Best advice I can give her is - whatever you say and however you say it, some people won't like it."
When one user criticised Moore for "making a big deal of it", he retorted: "See how many women think it's a big deal. When it is the first time, and nothing wrong with marking that."
Comments were not all negative, however - with many praising Orchard's contribution on her debutt.
While many hoped it will set a trend for other sports, including the likes of Eleanor Oldroyd and Gabby Logan.
England trounced Fiji 58-15 at Twickenham on Saturday thanks to NINE tries from the likes of Jonathan Joseph, Elliot Daly and Temiana Harrison - as well as two from Fiji born Semesa Rokoduguni.
Eddie Jones's side have now won all 11 games since he took over as head coach in February of this year.
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