Five players who've 'gone backwards' in the last eight months

Plenty of players have hit the heights in their career, only to suffer a huge fall from grace.

Many fans complain about the guy who never replicated the form from their games but who are those who've effectively gone backwards over the last eight months?

World ranking 2020 via Wales Online: #28 - "Tough as teak, he continues to be key to Eddie Jones' relentless England juggernaut. Leads by example, surely the Lions 10 next year?"

How it's turned out: Farrell's ability and record speaks for itself, he is a class act, but it's been a difficult year so far for the 29-year-old.

The England skipper was off the pace throughout the Six Nations before making just two uninspiring replacement appearances for the Lions during their 2-1 series defeat against South Africa.

His starting place with England is now under serious threat as fans clamour to see exciting prospect Marcus Smith make the number 10 shirt his own.

DID YOU KNOW? Farrell held the record of youngest player ever to appear in English professional rugby union after playing for Saracens 11 days after his 17th birthday

World ranking 2020 via Wales Online: #29 - "Still something of an eccentric, but he's developed somewhat from often just running sideways like a headless chicken to becoming an accomplished Test finisher."

How it's turned out: Last year, many were dubbing him the best winger in the world for his scintillating form in an England shirt. As such, it seemed likely that he'd get a call for the Lions series against South Africa.

Ultimately, he paid the price for his poor Six Nations and awful Premiership form with a struggling Gloucester side and missed out on yet another tour.

DID YOU KNOW? May played for England U20s in 2010 as a centre.

World ranking 2020 via Wales Online: #46 - "The dangerous runner from deep is a double-winner with Exeter Chiefs and has been integral to Scotland's improvement."

How it turned out: The Scotland captain's year got off to the perfect start as he left his country to a historic victory against England at Twickenham - but it's been all downhill since.

Dropped by Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter for the Gallagher Premiership semi-final and subsequent final after a loss of form.

A tough tour with the Lions, which was disrupted by isolation, followed. After finally making his first test start, Hogg was dropped after a poor second Test under an aerial assault.

No longer considered the best fullback in the world - but still a very good player.

DID YOU KNOW? In the Six Nations, Hogg was twice named player of the tournament- in 2016 and 2017

World ranking 2020 via Wales Online: #37 - "Without always being at his best, he's still shown he's a class act for Ireland and Leinster with some dominant line-out displays and eye-catching effort around the field."

How it turned out: Not that long ago, Ryan was nailed on to start the Tests for the Lions and appeared in numerous pundits World XV, which makes the locks drop off in form all the more surprising.

Ryan made a very poor start to the Six Nations with Devin Toner and Iain Henderson preferred by Andy Farrell as the tournament went on.

Certainly still has a lot of potential but so far 2021 has been a big backwards step.

DID YOU KNOW? He is the Great Grandson of Irish Politician and Easter Rising Revolutionary James Ryan

World ranking 2020 via Wales Online: #30 - "It's clear to see how much England miss their No. 8 powerhouse when he's not there. Just a massive, massive carrier."

How it turned out: Despite their relegation, their international players' lack of form and the sparsity of recent matches, Saracens were the best-represented club in the 2021 Lions squad.

However, one Saracen who was overlooked was the younger Vunipola.

A poor Six Nations didn't help his cause, with Exeter's Sam Simmonds' fine club form getting him the nod.

DID YOU KNOW? Vunipola was born in Sydney in Australia to Tongan parents