Every rugby nation has that one player who seems to rub people up the wrong way, whether because of their on-field style, controversial moments or actions away from the game.
We’ve picked the most disliked player from each major nation, for a range of reasons.
Italy have been left out, though, as they simply don’t have an obvious candidate. Michele Lamaro previously featured, but doesn’t really warrant the title.
England – Henry Pollock
Love him or hate him, Henry Pollock rarely goes unnoticed. The England back rower has built a reputation for his aggression, energy and ability to get under the skin of opponents.
That has made him popular with some fans, but irritating to others. In 2026, footage appeared to show Pollock making dismissive gestures towards Argentina supporters from the England team bus.
Steve Borthwick described it as “good natured”, but the incident added to Pollock’s pantomime villain image.
Scotland – Stuart Hogg
Away from rugby, Stuart Hogg’s reputation has changed dramatically. The former Scotland captain was once one of the country’s biggest sporting stars.
That changed after he pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge in 2024. Prosecutors detailed controlling and abusive behaviour towards his former wife, and Hogg was sentenced.
The case shocked many supporters. His achievements on the rugby field remain part of his legacy, but the controversy has changed how some Scottish fans view him.
Ireland – James Lowe
There is rarely much middle ground when it comes to James Lowe. The Ireland winger’s confidence and flair have earned plenty of admirers, while his showboating can also annoy people. One moment from 2024 summed up that divide.
After Ireland lost to New Zealand, Lowe was criticised for celebrating a 50:22 kick while his side were still behind.
Supporters on the other side of the argument saw nothing wrong with it and praised the personality he brings to the team.
Wales – Louis Rees-Zammit
At only 23, Louis Rees-Zammit walked away from a promising rugby career.
His decision to try his luck in the NFL split Welsh opinion. For some supporters, it was a rare chance to chase a dream in another sport.
Others were frustrated that he left Wales when he was still developing into a major rugby star.
Rees-Zammit had already become one of the country’s most exciting players, which made his sudden departure even harder for some fans to accept.
France – Antoine Dupont
Being one of the world’s most famous rugby players comes with a downside. Antoine Dupont’s huge profile has made him a target for critics who feel he receives too much praise.
The France captain also drew criticism after the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat by South Africa, when he questioned the refereeing.
Much of the dislike comes from outside France rather than within it. South African supporters, in particular, have often been vocal about what they see as excessive praise for Dupont.
Argentina – Pablo Matera
One social media controversy changed the way Pablo Matera was viewed. In 2020, old posts from 2011 to 2013 resurfaced and contained discriminatory and xenophobic comments.
The Argentine Rugby Union responded by removing Matera as captain and suspending him. He later apologised and said he was ashamed of the posts.
His career continued and he rebuilt some of his reputation through his performances. Even so, the incident remains closely linked to his public image.
South Africa – Eben Etzebeth
Few players have a bigger reputation as a rugby villain than Eben Etzebeth. The Springbok lock has spent much of his career playing with an edge.
His physical approach has made him hugely popular in South Africa, but it has also made him a target for rival fans.
In 2025, he was handed a 12-week suspension for an intentional eye-gouging offence against Wales’ Alex Mann.
Etzebeth disputed the finding that the gouge was intentional.
Australia – Israel Folau
The Israel Folau controversy became much bigger than rugby.
His Test career came to an end in 2019 after Rugby Australia terminated his contract over social media posts containing strongly condemnatory statements about homosexuality and other groups.
Folau said the posts reflected his Christian beliefs.
Critics argued that they were discriminatory. The dispute led to a wider debate about religion, free speech and inclusion in sport.
It also left one of Australia’s most talented rugby players with a deeply divided public image.
New Zealand – Shannon Frizell
A nightclub incident in Dunedin has followed Shannon Frizell throughout his career. In 2021, the All Black appeared in court after being charged with assault following an incident involving a woman and a man.
New Zealand Rugby then suspended him for two matches. The charges were later dismissed after Frizell completed a diversion programme, meaning he was not convicted.
Despite that outcome, the incident attracted major attention and remains the main source of criticism aimed at Frizell away from the pitch.
