"Yesterday's news" - 5 most disrespected rugby players in the world right now

It’s a phenomena that can manifest itself in many different ways with coaches, clubs, and supporters themselves all being sources of certain players being disrespected.

As such, here at RUCK, we wanted to zoom out and take a look at certain players that we think are getting a hard rep relative to the quality that they bring to the beautiful game.

Discarded by some fans as yesterday's news following the emergence of Marcus Smith, the former England captain remains one of the best fly-halves in the world. A fearless leader who often finds himself on the wrong side of the referee, Farrell remains a key part of Eddie Jones' plans and deserves respect from fans for his service to England and the Lions.

The 93-cap juggernaut has come in for his fair share of flak in recent years and was singled out in the wake of the 24-14 loss to Ireland during the 2020 Six Nations, despite Wales suffering issues across the board. A victim of his early success, making his Wales debut as a teenager and starring for the Lions in 2013 aged 21, has contributed to the unrealistic expectations put on North throughout his career.

The best player during the Gallagher Premiership during the 2022/23 season, England boss Jones' latest snub of the back-rower can be seen as nothing but disrespectful. Earl would have added some ball-carrying to the back row options with Sam Simmonds and Alex Dombrandt injured. Reports suggest the Aussie doesn’t think Earl is big enough for international rugby.

Sometimes labelled unfairly as unexciting, his game is grounded in an absolute, unflinching commitment to the cause. Throughout his career, he has been pigeonholed as a player who works hard, defends well and kicks the ball more often than some would like while his skills as a distributor have always been overlooked.

Considering his importance to the French renaissance in recent times years, the 28-year-old is a strong as an ox and looks immense every time he pulls on the famous blue jersey. Burst onto the scene as a teen sensation, Fickou has quirtly developed his game to become arguably the best all around centre around while the likes of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack take the plaudits. He's been immense.

DID YOU KNOW? He made his French international debut at the age of 18 against Scotland on 16 March 2013 in the RBS 6 Nations