Back in 2015, Welsh referee Nigel Owens makes it crystal clear to Scotland’s Stuart Hogg during their game against South Africa that if he “Dives like that again, come back here in two weeks and play, not today”
“Creeping in” – Worst dives of 2023 includes Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell
There’s a saying that suggests footballers spend most of the game feigning injury, while rugby players spend the entirety of the match acting as if they’re unharmed.
Rugby union has become a progressively more grueling and punishing sport, and athletes are now delivering harder hits than ever before. It’s a rugged game played by resilient individuals.
Nevertheless, in recent weeks, there has been a growing number of instances of players diving in professional rugby. This doesn’t necessarily imply that it is rampant or widespread, but it’s evident that it has surfaced more frequently than before.
#1. Owen Farrell (Saracens vs Harlequins)
An Owen Farrell dive was one of the only low points on a fantastic day of rugby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
One fan wrote: “Owen Farrell’s football dive,”
A second commented: “Yes that is a card, but Owen Farrell has absolutely milked that. Embarrassing.”
Another said: “Owen Farrell gone down like a footballer there. Embarrassing,”