Luke Cowan-Dickie linked with Sale Sharks exit days after joining

Initially, it was widely expected that the 30-year-old player would join the French team Montpellier after the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, despite previous denials by Exeter boss Rob Baxter regarding any issues, including rumored missed medical examinations, his move to France fell through.

Seizing the opportunity, Sale Sharks successfully secured Cowan-Dickie's signature, much to the delight of their director of rugby, Alex Sanderson. Expressing his satisfaction, Sanderson stated, "Luke is an exceptional player, and we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate and pleased to have acquired him for the foreseeable future.

"It already feels like a perfect fit for both him and us, aligning with the kind of team we aspire to be, both on and off the pitch. It's truly exciting to add an England international and a British and Irish Lion to an already formidable squad."

Nevertheless, despite widespread reports indicating that the hooker has signed a two-year deal, recent information suggests otherwise.

According to The Rugby Paper, Cowan-Dickie has only committed to a one-year contract with The Sharks, contrary to initial reports.

Additionally, it has been mentioned that French clubs are keen on ensuring Cowan-Dickie attains full fitness ahead of a potential move to the Top 14 for the 2024-2025 campaign, expressing interest in bringing him across the Channel.

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We've ran a poll to discover who, whether it be for their antics on or off the pitch, have developed an unenviable reputation in the game.

Find out the top five below.

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Believe me, I’m as shocked as you are that Lavinini managed to find his way into this list considering the stand-up player that he is (sarcastic).

Being serious, he is one of the most entertaining rugby players to watch because of his reckless and aggressive behaviour

White has become arguably the most unpopular player in world rugby over the past 12 months..

Last year, White fell about like a lion had attempted to rip off his face after Faf de Klerk accidentally made contact with it while attempting to dislodge the ball out of his hands as he attempted a pass.

After consulting with the television match official, referee Paul Williams adjudicated that this warranted a yellow card for de Klerk.

This decision sent the world of rugby into meltdown, with criticism coming from all quarters aimed at White for bringing the game into disrepute.

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.

Biggar has twice been selected to tour with the British and Irish Lions (2017 & 2021)

On 7 December 2015, Biggar won the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year Award

Biggar came through the Ospreys development pathway, having attended Gowerton Comprehensive School in Swansea

The fly-half has his own routine before kicking goals, which fans now call “The Biggarena” after Los Del Rio’s 1995 hit, Macarena

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.

Etzebeth may be 6ft 8in and more than 19st (2.03m/123kg) now but he did not dominate rugby in his early school days, leaving his growing until later in his teens

 In 2016, aged 24, Etzebeth became the youngest player to play 50 Tests for the Springboks in the game against Australia at Brisbane

The lock was voted South African Young Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2013 when the award was won by New Zealand’s Kieran Read.

Etzebeth’s biceps have a circumference of 19 inches… 48.26cm.

In 2017, Etzebeth became the 59th player to captain the Springboks in a Test match when he led the side in the match against France at Ellis Park

Could it be anybody else? 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 England captain, also known as 'Shoulder boy' for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.

The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford

His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight

He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford

It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009

He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.