Fans have compiled lists ranking the players they believe employ the most unsportsmanlike tactics in the game today.
Some players have been selected due to their negative reputation, while others have been singled out for their known use of questionable methods during matches.
Rugby’s ‘biggest cheats’
#6. Owen Farrell (England)
Could it be anybody else to start? Farrell fits the label “our guy” better than most, meaning you love to hate him unless he’s in your squad. Then you’d go to the end’s of the earth to defend him.
The England captain, also known as ‘Shoulder boy’ for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.
Although he’s currently serving a two-match ban, the fact he often seems to get away with it doesn’t help 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.
#4. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
A flanker that plays on the edge and never fails to get under the skin of opposition fans. His late hit on Stuart Hogg and foul-mouthed war of words with the Kyle Sinckler during the 2019 Six Nations did him no favours. The sort of player you love to have, but also love to hate.
