Rugby is supposed to be a gentleman’s game played by hooligans — but sometimes the hooligans take that a bit too literally.
From fake blood to flying fists and nasal warfare, here are the ten bans that made the rugby world stop and say,
“Did that actually happen?”
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10. Nico Lee – Blowing His Nose on an Opponent
Ban: 13 weeks (2019)**
In a Super Rugby clash, Cheetahs centre Nico Lee cleared his nose straight onto Sharks flanker Thomas du Toit’s face during a ruck. The citing commissioner described it as “clearly unhygienic and disrespectful.” Lee apologised but still got 13 weeks off — the first ban in rugby history for “snot conduct.”
In a Super Rugby clash, Cheetahs centre Nico Lee cleared his nose straight onto Sharks flanker Thomas du Toit’s face during a ruck. The citing commissioner described it as “clearly unhygienic and disrespectful.” Lee apologised but still got 13 weeks off — the first ban in rugby history for “snot conduct.”
9. Julien Dupuy & David Attoub – Twin Eye-Gouging Scandals
Bans: Dupuy – 6 months | Attoub – 70 weeks (2009–2010)**
Two Stade Français teammates, one victim — Ulster’s Stephen Ferris. Dupuy gouged first and got six months; Attoub followed with an even worse one and copped 70 weeks. That’s over a year on the sideline — and both are still whispered about whenever someone goes near a ruck with their fingers out.
Two Stade Français teammates, one victim — Ulster’s Stephen Ferris. Dupuy gouged first and got six months; Attoub followed with an even worse one and copped 70 weeks. That’s over a year on the sideline — and both are still whispered about whenever someone goes near a ruck with their fingers out.
8. Chris Ashton – Biting an Opponent
Ban: 13 weeks (2016)**
Saracens winger Chris Ashton was banned after biting Northampton prop Alex Waller. It wasn’t his first ban, and it definitely wasn’t his weirdest — but it kept his record as one of England’s most polarising players firmly intact.
Saracens winger Chris Ashton was banned after biting Northampton prop Alex Waller. It wasn’t his first ban, and it definitely wasn’t his weirdest — but it kept his record as one of England’s most polarising players firmly intact.
7. Bloodgate – The Fake Blood Substitution
Ban: Dean Richards (Director of Rugby) – 3 years (2009)**
Harlequins’ Tom Williams bit a fake blood capsule to fake an injury so his team could make a tactical substitution in a European Cup quarter-final. The hoax backfired spectacularly — fines, suspensions, and a three-year ban for Director of Rugby Dean Richards. Rugby’s most cinematic scandal.
Harlequins’ Tom Williams bit a fake blood capsule to fake an injury so his team could make a tactical substitution in a European Cup quarter-final. The hoax backfired spectacularly — fines, suspensions, and a three-year ban for Director of Rugby Dean Richards. Rugby’s most cinematic scandal.
6. John Hopoate – Finger-Gate
Ban: 12 weeks (2001, rugby league)**
Not union, but too infamous to leave out. Hopoate inserted his fingers into opponents’ backsides mid-tackle, later claiming he was “giving them a wedgie.” The tribunal called it “repugnant and disgraceful.” It remains one of sport’s strangest ever disciplinary hearings.
Not union, but too infamous to leave out. Hopoate inserted his fingers into opponents’ backsides mid-tackle, later claiming he was “giving them a wedgie.” The tribunal called it “repugnant and disgraceful.” It remains one of sport’s strangest ever disciplinary hearings.
5. Joe Marler – Insulting a Player’s Mum
Ban: 2 matches + £20,000 fine (2022)**
During a Premiership match, England prop Joe Marler told Bristol’s Jake Heenan that his mother was a sex worker. The RFU called it “disrespectful and wholly inappropriate.” It wasn’t violent, but it was jaw-droppingly petty — and somehow very on-brand for Marler.
During a Premiership match, England prop Joe Marler told Bristol’s Jake Heenan that his mother was a sex worker. The RFU called it “disrespectful and wholly inappropriate.” It wasn’t violent, but it was jaw-droppingly petty — and somehow very on-brand for Marler.
4. Dylan Hartley – Calling Wayne Barnes a Cheat
Ban: 11 weeks (2013)**
In the 2013 Premiership Final, Hartley let his temper explode at referee Wayne Barnes, calling him a “f***ing cheat.” He was shown red, banned for 11 weeks, and axed from the British & Irish Lions tour a day before departure. One red card, one ruined summer.
In the 2013 Premiership Final, Hartley let his temper explode at referee Wayne Barnes, calling him a “f***ing cheat.” He was shown red, banned for 11 weeks, and axed from the British & Irish Lions tour a day before departure. One red card, one ruined summer.
3. Calum Clark – Snapping an Opponent’s Arm
Ban: 32 weeks (2012)**
In the LV Cup Final, Northampton’s Calum Clark deliberately twisted Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins’s arm until it broke. The act was called “intentional and reckless,” earning one of the longest bans in English rugby history.
In the LV Cup Final, Northampton’s Calum Clark deliberately twisted Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins’s arm until it broke. The act was called “intentional and reckless,” earning one of the longest bans in English rugby history.
2. Trevor Brennan – Punching a Fan in the Crowd
Ban: Life (later reduced to 5 years) (2007)**
While playing for Toulouse, Brennan lost his temper at a heckler, climbed into the stands, and punched an Ulster supporter. The fan was injured; Brennan got a life ban (later cut to five years). Still the ultimate “do not try this at home” moment in rugby.
While playing for Toulouse, Brennan lost his temper at a heckler, climbed into the stands, and punched an Ulster supporter. The fan was injured; Brennan got a life ban (later cut to five years). Still the ultimate “do not try this at home” moment in rugby.
1. Joe Marler – The Alun Wyn Jones Groin Grab
Ban: 10 weeks (2020)**
In the Six Nations, Marler grabbed Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’s genitals on live TV, then cheekily asked, “What’s the problem?” The citing panel called it “grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.” Ten weeks off — and rugby’s most bizarre meme was born.
In the Six Nations, Marler grabbed Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’s genitals on live TV, then cheekily asked, “What’s the problem?” The citing panel called it “grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.” Ten weeks off — and rugby’s most bizarre meme was born.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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