HATED BY OTHER FANS: Rugby Players Other Nations Love to Dislike in 2025

 has become a thorn in the side of rival nations. His blistering pace, elusiveness, and eye for the try line make him infuriating for opposing defenses, who groan every time he touches the ball.

Here’s a look at the Tier One rugby players that opposing fans love to grumble about in 2025.

Duhan van der Merwe is a nightmare for rival teams. With lightning pace, powerful runs, and a knack for breaking tackles, he frustrates defenses across Europe. Opposing fans love to groan every time he gets the ball in space, especially given his South African roots — they sometimes wish he still played for the Springboks.

With Owen Farrell on a break from international rugby, England’s pack stars are the ones making rival fans pull their hair out. Maro Itoje dominates the lineout and disrupts attacks, Ellis Genge powers through scrums and breaks tackles at will, and Tom Curry is everywhere on the field. To opposing fans, they’re relentless, aggressive, and impossible to get past — the kind of players you love to hate.

With legends Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony retired, James Lowe has become Ireland’s most divisive threat to opposing teams. His electric running and unpredictability make rival defenses scramble. Fans of other nations groan every time he touches the ball, knowing he can score from almost nothing.

Mohamed Haouas is one of the most controversial French players in 2025. A powerful prop, he has been involved in multiple off-field incidents, including legal troubles that have kept him in the headlines. Rival fans see him as unpredictable and unprofessional, making him one of the most disliked opponents whenever France take the field.

Sevu Reece is the All Blacks’ wing everyone loves to fear. Blistering pace, evasive running, and an eye for the try line make him a nightmare for rival defenses. Off-field controversies add to his reputation, giving opposing fans even more reasons to groan whenever he appears.

Eben Etzebeth is a colossus of the Springbok pack. His size, strength, and aggression make him almost impossible to handle in the lineout or loose play. Fans from other nations respect him but also love to complain every time he’s in their 22.

With Nic White retired, Tate McDermott has become a thorn in the side of opposing teams. Quick, confident, and always present at the breakdown, he frustrates defenses and forces errors, earning the ire of rival supporters.

Tomás Lavanini continues to frustrate rival fans. His physicality, aggression, and presence in tight exchanges make him a constant headache for opponents, who often find themselves conceding penalties or struggling to contain him.

Paolo Garbisi may not be the most physically dominant, but his creativity and intelligence make him a dangerous opponent. Rival fans find him frustrating because he can unlock defenses in unexpected ways, making Italy competitive in moments when they might otherwise be overwhelmed.

After quitting rugby briefly and then returning, Louis Rees-Zammit

These stars share one thing: they make life miserable for opposition teams. Whether it’s sheer skill, athleticism, or on-field swagger, they generate frustration, awe, and plenty of “grumble points” for rival fans. In rugby, being hated by other nations usually just means you’re doing your job extremely well.