When we talk about rugby union we often tend to think about the breaks, the tries, the good passes and every good thing this sport has to offer us.
However, just as in life, you can find anything in rugby, as there is a dark side of this sport that not so many people like to discuss.
Today we’re going to take a look at those hot-head players who took things further when it came to defend and tackle for the ball.
Here are the 5 dirtiest players in the history of rugby.
#5. Dylan Hartley
Take a deep breath. 60 weeks worth of bans incoming.
In April 2007, the Northampton hooker was banned for 26 weeks for gouging Wasps duo James Haskell and Jonny O’Connor.
In March 2012, he was suspended for eight weeks for biting Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris while on England duty at Twickenham.
In December 2012, he was handed a two-week ban for striking Ulster’s Rory Best.
In May 2013, he was suspended for 11 weeks for abusing referee Wayne Barnes during the Saints’ Premiership final defeat to Leicester, missing the Lions tour of Australia as a result.
In December 2014, he was banned for three weeks for elbowing Tigers wing Matt Smith, and then in May of 2015 he was suspended for four weeks for butting his Saracens opposite number Jamie George, which led to him being dropped from England’s World Cup plans.
In 2016, he caught Leinster’s Sean O’Brien to the head with a swinging arm from behind, picking up a red card which was followed by a six-week ban.
At least that’s it now he has hung up his boots!