"Dumb posh idiot" - Fans Reveal Reasons for Hating Certain Rugby Players

Thursday, 14 August 2025 at 07:41

byRugby Rucker

at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.

It’s not always about dirty play, bad attitudes, or off-field scandals — sometimes rugby fans just dislike players for the pettiest, most irrational reasons.

Over on Reddit, the r/rugbyunion faithful have been spilling their grudges, and it’s a glorious mix of haircuts, facial expressions, and tragic personal match-day memories.

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The Grudge Match

One user still hasn’t forgiven Pete Samu for a third-grade hit job in Melbourne:

“Pete played fullback, and was almost untouchable… They pumped us, and eliminated us from finals contention. Pete Samu, cunt of a bloke.”

Hair Crimes and Man Buns

James Lowe copped a hammering for style choices:

“Man bun. Also he is too good, but 95% man bun, 4% his grin, 1% I wish we had him.”

Another piled on:

“It’s not just a man bun: it’s also the weird shaving, the grin, the commentator’s need to talk about his left boot.”

Marcus Smith didn’t escape either:

“I don't like the way his hair flaps when he runs and it always looks perfect.”

Nic White was also a target, this time for his distinct facial hair:

"That stupid moustache... he looks like a cartoon wild west villain."

Faces You Just Don’t Like

From Liam Williams’ “resting dumb face” to Josh Adams’ simply “don’t like his face,” plenty of fans admitted to judging books by covers.

One brutal take on Ben Earl:

“He looks like the epitome of big dumb posh idiot who plays w***ing games with his rugby mates.”

Overrated, Overhyped, or Just… There

Eben Etzebeth’s intimidation tactics drew criticism:

“Whenever there’s handbags, he never actually defends his own teammate, he just grabs some random opponent… It was all for show.”

And then there’s Antoine Dupont, who somehow offended multiple people without actually doing anything:

“Not because of him, but because of everyone else.”

Legends Aren’t Safe Either

Naas Botha?

“I dated the son of an old Springbok… told me he is insufferable.”

David Campese?

“One of the greats… who really needs to just keep his mouth shut.”

Even Jonny Wilkinson caught heat:

“He knows what he did.”

Petty Revenge and Personal Trauma

Some dislikes come from deeply personal wounds.

On Ihaia West:

“We were nearly in tears thinking surely we’ve got it now… Then a short blast on the whistle, long arm from the ref, and up steps Ihaia West. Over it goes… No shield for us. I’ve never been able to watch him play since.”

And one poor bar worker will never forgive Ben Smith:

“Ben Smith was shitfaced, threw up everywhere and left. I had to mop it up.”

The “Too Perfect” Problem

Even being nice is grounds for suspicion.

Siya Kolisi:

“He’s humble, attractive, funny, nice, good at rugby, handsome… like could he calm down a little bit.”

Final Whistle

From dodgy barnets to try celebrations deemed “cringe,” Reddit’s list of petty rugby grudges is a reminder: you can be world-class, but you’ll never please everyone — especially if you’ve got a man bun.

Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List

A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you

#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)

A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.

That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.

RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”

#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)

Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours

Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.

Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.

RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”

#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship

Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.

Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.

RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”

#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)

Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England

When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.

He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.

RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”

#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)

Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)

Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.

He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.

RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”

#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)

Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)

The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking

The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.

Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?

Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans

Now it's time to test your memory.