Scotland make recall decision on former captain Stuart Hogg

Monday, 12 January 2026 at 08:01

byRugby Rucker

, Bakkies Botha is arguably the dirtiest rugby player of all time. His career was defined by brutal tackles, off‑ball incidents, and a willingness to push the boundaries of fair play. Botha’s intimidating style earned him respect — and fear — across world rugby.

Stuart Hogg rolled back the years to fire Montpellier to a dramatic 33-31 victory over Connacht in the European Challenge Cup, as the French side overturned a 17-point deficit to maintain their perfect Pool 1 record.

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The former Scotland captain was central to the comeback, kicking crucial points as Montpellier clawed their way back into the contest. On the field, it was another reminder of Hogg’s enduring quality when fit and firing.

The performance capped off a turbulent week off the pitch. On Friday, jockey and TV presenter Mayor announced via social media that her relationship with Hogg had come to an end, less than a year after the couple welcomed their son, Teddy.

In an emotional Instagram post, Mayor confirmed they had been separated “for a while now,” adding: “It’s just me and Teddy.” No reason for the split was given.

The couple had faced widespread criticism when their relationship became public in November 2023, just days after Hogg’s ex-wife Gillian gave birth to their fourth child.

Despite his personal struggles, Hogg’s rugby form over the past 18 months has remained strong when injury-free. However, a return to the Scotland setup now appears highly unlikely.

Gregor Townsend previously made Scottish Rugby’s position clear when asked about Hogg. “I’m not going to comment on any specific cases, especially one that’s still ongoing. But on behalf of Scottish Rugby, we condemn any abuse, whether that’s domestic, online or social,” the Scotland head coach said.

That stance, coupled with Hogg’s disciplinary issues during previous Scotland camps, strongly suggests the 100-cap star’s international career is over — even if his club form continues to deliver moments like this.

The 15 Dirtiest Rugby Players Ever Ranked 15-1

In this article, we rank the dirtiest rugby players of all time — counting down from number 15 all the way to the biggest offender at number 1.

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Dirtiest Rugby players:

15. Owen Farrell – England

Owen Farrell is a world-class playmaker, but his tackling style has drawn criticism throughout his career. Numerous high tackles and dangerous hits make him one of rugby’s most controversial defenders.

14. Paul Emerick – USA

Paul Emerick’s career was marked by two international red cards and a number of dangerous tackles. His combative style makes him a notable figure on any list of the dirtiest rugby players of all time.

13. Mohamed Haouas – France

A ferocious prop, Mohamed Haouas is infamous for repeated dangerous tackles. Two red cards and a history of foul play ensure his place among the game’s most notorious players.

12. Alesana Tuilagi – Samoa/England

Alesana Tuilagi is known for big hits and reckless tackling. His career included two red cards, making him one of the most aggressive and memorable names on this list of dirtiest rugby players.

11. Nathan Hines – Scotland

While Nathan Hines didn’t earn as many red cards as others, his rugged play and frequent penalties for dangerous tackling have cemented his reputation. He is certainly one of rugby’s more physical offenders.

10. Calum Clark – England

Calum Clark became infamous for an off‑ball elbow incident in 2014 that earned him a lengthy ban. This moment alone cemented his place in rugby history as one of the dirtiest rugby players.

9. Brian Lima – Samoa/New Zealand

Brian Lima earned his infamous nickname The Chiropractor for bone‑shattering tackles that often broke opponents’ bodies. His career included several dangerous tackles, making him one of the most feared and controversial players in rugby history.

8. Danny Grewcock – England

Danny Grewcock was one of rugby’s most intimidating second rows. His career included incidents of eye gouging and dangerous play at the ruck, making him a key entry on any list of dirtiest rugby players.

7. Schalk Burger – South Africa

Schalk Burger is celebrated as one of the toughest flankers in history. However, his aggressive play and dangerous tackles make him a notable figure among rugby’s notorious offenders.

6. David Attoub – France

David Attoub’s physical style and frequent scrum offences gave him a reputation as one of the dirtiest rugby players of his era. His career is remembered for pushing the boundaries of the game.

5. Dylan Hartley – England

Dylan Hartley is arguably one of the most penalised players in rugby history. His career includes bans for eye gouging, biting, and referee abuse, making him one of the most controversial names on any dirtiest rugby players list.

4. Tomás Lavanini – Argentina

Tomás Lavanini holds the record for the most red cards in international rugby (three). His dangerous tackles and repeat offences cement his place as one of rugby’s most infamous players.

3. Richard Loe – New Zealand

Richard Loe is a legendary lock with a reputation for dirty play. Off‑ball incidents and aggressive intimidation made him a feared opponent and a notorious figure in rugby history.

2. Eben Etzebeth – South Africa

Etzebeth is one of rugby’s most feared locks. Renowned for his physical dominance, bone‑crunching tackles, and aggressive play in off‑ball scrums, he has built a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in modern rugby. His career has been marked by several controversial moments, most notably a red card for an eye gouge against Wales, underscoring the intensity — and sometimes dangerous edge — of his style.