The 5 Most Hated Countries in Rugby (Ranked)

Need proof? Several of the songs and anthems sung by England’s fiercest sporting rivals contain references to battles against English armies or resistance to English rule.

From Scotland’s famous anthem recalling victory at Bannockburn to generations of Celtic supporters celebrating historic triumphs over their larger neighbour, there is often one thing rival fans can agree on: they love seeing England lose.

Whether it is success, history, media attention or sheer sporting rivalry, some countries are far easier to dislike than others. Here are rugby’s five biggest villains.

French rugby has always divided opinion. Their clubs have enormous financial power, their teams can be brilliantly unpredictable, and controversies are never far away.

While many neutrals love watching France play, plenty of rival supporters enjoy seeing Les Bleus come unstuck.

No nation embraces rugby tribalism quite like Wales. The passion of Welsh supporters is one of the sport’s great strengths, but it has also made them a target for rival fans.

Their fierce rivalry with England and regular Six Nations battles ensure Wales rarely lack critics.

The All Blacks are arguably rugby’s most respected team, but respect does not stop people wanting them to lose.

Decades of dominance, the aura surrounding the black jersey and endless success have made New Zealand the side many neutrals secretly enjoy seeing beaten.

Back-to-back World Cup triumphs have turned South Africa into rugby’s modern superpower.

The Springboks' physical style, passionate fanbase and constant debates over tactics and refereeing decisions make them one of the most polarising teams in world rugby.

Love them or hate them, nobody ignores them.

England sit comfortably at the top.

They are rugby’s traditional pantomime villains, the team that supporters from multiple nations unite against. Their resources, history, confidence and media coverage have long made them an easy target.

The fact that songs sung by rival supporters often celebrate victories over England tells its own story.

Whether at Twickenham, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Johannesburg or Auckland, there is usually one thing neutrals can agree on: they would quite like England to lose.

That is exactly why England remain rugby’s most hated nation.

Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport's history.

From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?

You have five minutes to name them all. Good luck!?