20 of the best nicknames in Rugby: Briefcase, Rikishi and the Sheriff - Page 3 of 4 - Ruck

20 of the best nicknames in Rugby: Briefcase, Rikishi and the Sheriff

11. SEAN O’BRIEN (THE TULLOW TANK)

Hailing from the market town of Tullow, in County Carlow, and known for his physical presence on the rugby field in smashing his way through opposing defences, as they say his nickname does what is says on the tin.

12. COURTNEY LAWES (CORPSE OR BIG GOOSE)

George North announced to the media the nicknames of his Northampton team-mate but not the reasons behind them. You can work out tipping the tape measure to 6ft 7in is behind Big Goose while Corpse is a play on his name.

13. KEITH WOOD – THE RAGING POTATO

Wood was another front rower who loved to carry the ball. With his distinctive bald head, it is not difficult to work out why he was called “the Raging Potato”.

14. BILLY TWELVETREES – 36

Billy Twelvetrees’ rugby nickname is ’36’. Using your broadest regional accent and thinking back to primary school multiplication tables, say “Twelve trees is 36”.

15. COLIN MEADS – PINETREE

Meads was given the nickname of “Pinetree” because of his dominating physical presence. He was named New Zealand’s Player of the Century at the New Zealand Rugby Football Union’s annual awards in 1999.