We all love to hate. For every force of good there is in rugby union, there is an equal force of bad to provide balance. A yin to their yang. For every hero, a villain.
As much fun as it is to see the sport's most treasured icons succeed, audiences can sometimes take equal pleasure in seeing a star plummet from the heavens and fall to the depths below.
We've compiled a list of those who, whether it be for their antics on or off the pitch, have developed an unenviable reputation in the game, not just among certain sets of fans or clubs, but by the entire rugby population.
MOST HATED RUGBY PLAYERS"
#5. Owen Farrell
Could it be anybody else to start us off? 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 former England captain, also known as 'Shoulder boy' for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.
#4. Peter O'Mahony
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.
#3. Eben Etzebeth
The world Cup-winning lock is undoubtedly world-class, but he is also one of the dirtiest players in the sport. If your team has played against him, you will not be a fan. A proper sh**house, but huge biceps.
#2. Dan Biggar
Biggar is the epitome of players you hate until they are on your team.The way the fly-half continues to moan to referees vociferously has seemingly only got worse throughout his career. It got so bad that popular online personality and diehard Scotland fan Glove39 made a video called ‘birdman’ mocking the way in which he always raises his arms in frustration to officials.
#1. Israel Folau
He stood by his controversial comments on homosexuality and revealed he offered to walk away from his Rugby Australia contract if his position was deemed to be untenable.
The Australia and Waratahs full-back avoided punishment for saying homosexuals should go to “hell”unless they “repent their sins and turn to God”.
This sort of backwards thinking doesn’t belong in rugby!
Israel Folau of Australia is tackled by Henry Slade of England during the Quilter International Match between England and Australia at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 24th 2018, (Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK)
