This show of solidarity against online abuse across the sporting world aims to encourage companies to take a stronger stance against racist and sexist abuse on their platforms. 

It starts at 15:00 BST on Friday, ending at 23:39 BST on Monday.

Barbarians President John Spencer said: “Online abuse has no place in sport, or in the world. In joining together to boycott social media channels over the weekend, sports are making a powerful statement about the role we can play in stamping out this appalling and inexcusable behaviour. The Barbarians pride ourselves in promoting courage, integrity and friendship, and any kind of online abuse goes against the very core of our club’s values since inception. We stand with sport across the world in condemning such behaviour.” 

England Rugby, Scottish Rugby, Welsh Rugby, France Rugby and Premiership Rugby, alongside clubs and the Rugby Players’ Association, are also taking part in the boycott, along with football, cricket, rugby league, tennis, horse racing and corporate bodies.