Fans have been busy ranking who they believe are the dirtiest players in the game today. Some players have earned their spot due to their widespread unpopularity, while others have been named and shamed for their thuggish actions on the field.
#5. Owen Farrell (England)
Could anyone else be a better fit to start? Farrell embodies the persona of “our guy” like no other, someone you love to hate when he’s on the opposing team but would defend fiercely if he’s on your squad.
As the England captain, he’s also earned the nickname “Shoulder boy” for his aggressive tackling, but his poor tackling technique does him no favors.
Despite currently serving a two-match ban, the perception that he often escapes consequences for his actions doesn’t help his reputation either.
Owen Farrell facts:
The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford
His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight
He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford
It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009
He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.